As winter weather approaches, The Northeast Iowa Food Bank’s Cedar Valley Food Pantry is beginning to phase out curbside grocery assistance, while moving back to an indoor, “Fill-Your-Cart” model. Also, more and more N.E. Iowans seek food assistance, more volunteers are needed.

In an effort to serve patrons best and get ready for chilly temperatures this fall and winter, they're are transitioning inside, now through Thursday, November 20th. According to a press release, limited curbside assistance hours will be offered Monday through Thursday, from 8:00am-11:00am. This is subject to change, where curbside will stop and we move inside, pending the weather. After the Thanksgiving season, curbside assistance will no longer be offered as part of the Cedar Valley Food Pantry’s Monday-Thursday operating hours.

While the Food Bank phases out their curbside assistance, they will begin allowing patrons inside to use the Cedar Valley Food Pantry. These ‘Fill-Your-Cart’ hours will be initially offered from 12:00PM - 4:00PM, Monday through Thursday, until Thursday, November 19th. Pre-registration will be required for all drive-thru patrons, make sure to fill out the quick sign-up form online. This one-time registration will allow every person a fast check-in experience for all future visits.

Starting soon, this new check-in system will become the primary way for all patrons to check-in. Indoor patrons also need to visit the Northeast Iowa Food Bank’s website and click on "Clients Pre-Register Here”.

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank will also continue to offer our once-a-week Produce & Perishable Pantry, every Friday, from 8:00am-11:00am while weather permits, then it will move indoors.

As the coronavirus rages on, N.E. Iowa Food Bank officials expect to see a record number of people seeking assistance this fall and winter. So they're calling on the public to volunteer their time. It is the season giving, so you are encouraged to try out their volunteer experience by signing up on their volunteer page.

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