Community pantry
Food for the week.
Shelf-stable staples, plus fresh food when we have it.
- Pantry staples
- Canned protein
- Cereal
- Fresh produce in season
Program 01 · The Basics
Food. Essentials.Breakfast.
Nothing grows on an empty stomach. So we start with what every family needs, right here in Traer.
Pantry opening November 2026
Free
No proving anything
Open to every neighbor
what's on the shelves —
More than a food pantry.
Groceries are only half of it. A family also needs soap, diapers, a warm coat, and toilet paper, and food assistance doesn't cover any of that.
Household & hygiene
The stuff SNAP skips.
The basics that keep a home running and a kid ready for school.
- Soap & shampoo
- Diapers & wipes
- Toilet paper
- Period products
- Laundry soap
Clothing closet
Warm, clean, yours.
Gently used clothes for every size and season, with coats and boots ready before winter hits.
- Coats
- Shoes & boots
- Kids' sizes
- Work clothes
Farm-fresh eggs
From our own hens.
Our flock of 28 hens is already laying for the pantry. Real protein, a few miles from your table.
- 28 hens
- Laid locally
$0
of SNAP benefits can buy soap, diapers, or toilet paper. That's why our pantry stocks them right next to the groceries.USDA SNAP eligible-items rules
how a visit works —
Walk in a neighbor. Walk out one too.
No long forms. No income proof. No sermon before supper. Just come.
01
Come as you are.
Stop in during pantry hours. A first name is plenty.
02
Tell us what you need.
Food, diapers, a coat for your kid. Say it once and we'll take it from there.
03
Take what fits.
We'll help you put together what works for your household. You know your family best.
04
Come back anytime.
This isn't a one-time thing. Need it again next week? We'll be here.
Pantry hoursPosted here before opening day in November.
WhereTraer, Iowa. Address posted with the hours.
Can't make it in?Text 319.348.5919 and we'll work out a quiet hand-off.
☀ Summer 2027
When school's out, breakfast shouldn't disappear.
For a lot of kids, the school cafeteria is the most reliable meal of the day. Then June comes. Our free summer breakfast keeps that meal on the table all summer long.
Free for kids and teens. No sign-up, no questions. Bring a sibling. Bring a friend.
The plan
- Free breakfast for kids and teens, all summer
- Right here in Traer
- Site, days, and times posted here this spring
- Volunteers needed for breakfast mornings
stock the shelves —
What we need most.
Every can, every pack of diapers, every pair of socks goes straight to a neighbor. Please text or email before dropping off so someone's there to meet you.
Food
- Peanut butter
- Canned tuna & chicken
- Canned fruit & veggies
- Soup & chili
- Pasta & sauce
- Rice & beans
- Cereal & oatmeal
- Mac & cheese
Unopened and in date, please. No home-canned goods.
Hygiene
- Diapers (sizes 4–6)
- Baby wipes
- Period products
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Shampoo & body wash
- Bar soap
Bigger diaper sizes run out first.
Household
- Toilet paper
- Laundry soap
- Dish soap
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Cleaning spray
Clothing
- Winter coats
- Boots & shoes
- Hats & gloves
- New socks
- New underwear
- Kids' clothes
Clean and gently used, please. Socks and underwear new only.
Summer breakfast
- Cereal
- Oatmeal packets
- Granola bars
- Shelf-stable milk
- 100% juice boxes
- Fruit cups
We start collecting in the spring.