Board approves $50,000 contract with Northeast Iowa Food Bank to boost emergency pantry services

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a $50,000 contract with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank to support emergency food pantry services for county residents.

Barbara Raider of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank told the board demand rose sharply after the recent federal funding gap and that the first two weeks of November saw 50% more clients countywide compared with early October. "For those people that are on SNAP, about 40 percent of them are kids and about another 40 percent are the elderly or disabled," Raider said, describing how funds will be used for transportation, storage and items that are less often donated, such as protein.

The approval came as supervisors discussed a broader community fundraising goal of $100,000 — with cities contributing to match — and concluded the county should commit $50,000 now. The contract was moved, seconded and approved by roll call with all members voting yes.

Board members noted SNAP funding had been restored at the federal level but cautioned local need would remain high because of accumulated bills and other financial pressures. The food bank said the county funds would be distributed across multiple programs, including after-school meal programs, summer feeding, backpack programs and college pantries.

The food bank invited supervisors to volunteer at an upcoming drive-through holiday distribution anticipated to serve 4,000–5,000 families.

The contract will be administered through the county procurement and finance offices; staff said they will issue a press release and track matching community contributions.