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United Way tells Story County supervisors ARPA funds boosted local childcare slots and food assistance
Summary
United Way reported to the Story County Board that ARPA‑funded programs expanded childcare capacity, supported nonprofit child care centers and funded emergency food and 211 outreach; staff said remaining ARPA balances are expected to be spent before the November ARPA deadline.
United Way of Story County representative Sarah updated the Story County Board of Supervisors on May 12 on outcomes from ARPA allocations labeled ARPA 16 and ARPA 17.
Sarah said ARPA 16 supported four nonprofit child‑care centers over the past 12 months and served an average of 339 families (peaking at about 370), with summer enrollment averaging 424 children. The funding helped open 61 new child‑care slots while 20 slots closed, for a net gain of 40 slots countywide. "We've reduced the balance down to approximately $40,000 to be paid out to those local child care workers," Sarah said, adding United Way expects the remaining funds to be expended well ahead of the November ARPA deadline.
On ARPA 17, which supported emergency food supplies and marketing for 211, Sarah reported that between April 2025 and March 2026 Story County food pantries recorded more than 68,070 visits and distributed over a half‑million pounds of food. She cautioned that not every pantry reports to United Way and called these conservative estimates of community need. United Way also tracked more than 1,000 inquiries to the 211 service in the most recent reporting period and said housing accounted for roughly 45 percent of requests, with transportation at about 10 percent and utilities 7 percent.
Sarah described a countywide child‑care feasibility study completed in phases (supply, demand and solutions). The consultant’s written report is nearly ready for stakeholders and United Way plans a public launch in the coming weeks.
Board members thanked United Way for the report and the coalition approach. No board action was requested at the meeting.
