The food pantry at Central Iowa Shelter & Services is open to adults 18 and older in the community. You don't have to be staying at the shelter to use it. Walk-ins are welcome during pantry hours, and services are also available by appointment.
You can visit the food pantry once a day.
Each visit, you can receive 12 items. Pantry hours may vary, so it's a good idea to call (515) 284-5719 or check the Non-Residents Daily Schedule on the CISS website before you head over.
The pantry carries canned goods, fresh produce, cereal, dry goods, and paper products. Some of the fresh produce comes from CISS's own Schoen Greenhouse, which uses a HydroCycle Aquaponics System to grow fresh lettuce year-round on-site.
Walk in during pantry hours and a staff member will check you in using a computer system. Once you're checked in, you'll be able to pick up your items for the day.
CISS offers many services beyond the food pantry. Case managers work one-on-one with clients to help them access services and move toward stable housing. The shelter's Mulberry Farm & Food program runs an 8-week job training program where participants learn greenhouse growing, job readiness, and resume building. A hot lunch is served daily from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, open to shelter guests and community members. Informational service blocks and additional classes are also offered on a regular basis.
The clothing closet is free and open to anyone in the community. It's stocked with adult clothing of all types and sizes, including warm coats and winter accessories for cold weather. Personal hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste, socks, and underwear are also available. Showers are open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for non-residents, and laundry is available for day guests. The day room is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. An outdoor patio and garden area is also accessible each day.
The food pantry welcomes donations of canned goods, fresh produce, and paper products. The clothing closet accepts clothing, hats, gloves, coats, socks, underwear, and more. You can donate online at the CISS donation page or send supplies directly through the Amazon Wish List. For more information, call (515) 284-5719 or email info@centraliowashelter.org.
To volunteer at CISS, fill out the registration form at this link. You can also email volunteer@centraliowashelter.org with any questions. Food pantry volunteers help check clients in and make sure they receive their items. Volunteer shifts for the food pantry run Monday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
See something missing or wrong?
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