(Elliott, Iowa) – Officials with SWIPCO (The Southwest Iowa Planning Council), in Atlantic, report the City of Elliott Food Pantry was recently awarded a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to strengthen their infrastructure and supply of fresh food. The Elliott Food Pantry received a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $19,327.

The funds come from the remaining COVID relief money and were designated to benefit food pantries or broadband access. The Elliott Food Pantry was opened in 2021 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and people losing employment or not being able to afford basic needs. Since its inception the pantry has had an increase in users and this grant will help them support the growing need.

With the funds, the Elliott Food Pantry plans to use around $12,000 to purchase fresh foods. Currently they are only able to offer mostly highly processed foods. The pantry also plans to purchase new refrigerators and freezers, as well as more shelves to help store fresh produce, meats, milk, yogurt, and other perishable items.

The Elliott Food Pantry Volunteer Committee says “The Elliott Food Pantry is extremely thankful for the generous grant. This will enable us to provide healthy food for everyone in our community who walks through our door.”

Southwest Iowa Planning Council helped the pantry complete the application to obtain the funding and will help them with implementing the funding now that it has been awarded. SWIPCO assists communities in the region with grant applications, writing plans, project management, codes and ordinances, and more. Projects such as this help improve the quality of life for Southwest Iowa residents