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Council approves up to $25,000 in emergency funding for Northeast Iowa Food Bank
Summary
Cedar Falls committed up to $25,000 in emergency support to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank after the director described sharp increases in demand; council emphasized the grant is part of coordinated local funding with Waterloo and Black Hawk County.
The City Council approved a public-service agreement authorizing up to $25,000 in emergency funding to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
Barb Prather, director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, told the council pantry services in Black Hawk County and the food bank's 16-county area rose about 50% in the first two weeks of November compared with October. Prather stressed the food bank cannot replace SNAP benefits and described the funding as help to meet immediate gaps caused by federal and other funding shortfalls. A councilor noted Waterloo had already approved a contribution and said the county planned to consider its portion the following day.
Councilors voiced support for the emergency funding and thanked staff for identifying resources. The resolution authorizing the agreement for up to $25,000 was moved and approved by roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting in favor.
Next steps: the city will finalize the public-service agreement and coordinate funding with Waterloo and Black Hawk County; the food bank requested volunteers and monetary donations to meet holiday distribution needs.
