Hunger Doesn't Have a Season

26,690 individuals in Polk County face hunger every day — including 13,464 children. Together, we can change that.

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The Problem

Hunger happens 365 days of the year, and it happens for 26,690 individuals right here in Polk County. The Partnership for a Hunger-Free Polk County has the solution — to raise enough funds to support the efforts of local food pantries and other food providers to ensure that the 13,464 children who are food insecure in our community have access to the food they need, and not just during the holidays but every day.

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Food insecurity is a daily reality for thousands of residents across Polk County. It does not take a holiday or wait for a convenient moment — it shows up at the breakfast table, in the school lunchroom, and at the dinner hour, often without warning. When a family must choose between paying utility bills and purchasing groceries, the strain reaches every corner of the household. Understanding this persistent challenge is the first step toward building a community where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from.

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of hunger. In Polk County, a significant portion of those experiencing food insecurity are young people who depend on consistent, nutritious meals to learn, grow, and thrive. When school is out or family resources run thin, children often bear the heaviest burden. Local pantries and meal programs work hard to fill these gaps, offering reliable access to food that supports healthy development and gives kids the foundation they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

The Partnership for a Hunger-Free Polk County brings together a broad network of agencies, pantries, and community providers who share a common mission. Organizations across the central Iowa region — from the north side to the south, east to west — collaborate to identify needs, coordinate resources, and extend operating hours so that assistance is available when people need it most. This collective approach ensures that efforts are not duplicated and that every donated dollar and volunteer hour makes the greatest possible impact.

A deeper understanding of hunger in the community has been made possible through commissioned research and local surveys. By examining data on poverty, income levels, and food access, the partnership has gained insight into who is affected and why. Studies conducted in collaboration with academic institutions have measured both the scope of the problem and the effectiveness of current responses. This evidence-based foundation allows providers to move beyond assumptions and design solutions that truly address the realities faced by Polk County residents.

Community support is the engine that drives this work forward. When individuals, businesses, and civic groups contribute their time or make generous donations, they become part of a coordinated effort to ensure that food pantries can keep their shelves stocked and their doors open. Every act of giving — whether volunteering for a few hours, organizing a neighborhood food drive, or making a financial contribution — strengthens the safety net that catches families in moments of crisis and helps them regain stability.

Looking ahead, the vision of a hunger-free Polk County depends on sustained commitment and broad community involvement. The partnerships forged between human service agencies, faith-based organizations, and local government create a durable framework for addressing food insecurity over the long term. By staying engaged, raising awareness, and supporting the network of providers who serve on the front lines every day, the community can move steadily toward a future where access to nutritious food is a certainty rather than a daily question.