The North Liberty Community Pantry kicks off construction on its new location

North Liberty, Iowa – The North Liberty Community Pantry is starting construction on a new building because it needs more space as it gets busier.

The pantry has surpassed serving records in the past year and is now consistently providing support to dozens of families. The pantry asked a nearby restaurant to retain frozen food for them a few months ago until they had enough space because they were having trouble keeping things in storage due to the increased supply.

The pantry’s current location is slightly over a mile distant from the new one, which will be at 350 W Penn Street in North Liberty. With over 1,600 square feet of freezer storage, it will have more than 10,000 square feet of room.

The executive director of the North Liberty Community Pantry, Ryan Bobst, declared, “We will never have to turn away a food donation for lack of space.” “A wider range and capacity of families will be served by us.”

Families are thrilled about the building’s resources, according to Bobst, who says they have seen the final renderings.

“Families told us it looks like a grocery store, and we got a lot of great feedback,” Bobst stated. “They are eager to witness its capabilities and how it will also help their neighbors.”

Additionally, volunteers will find things easier in the new space.

“They know that neighbors need that food, so they’re willing to step around boxes and squeeze through tight spaces,” Bobst remarked.

Together with the city and community organizations, they have raised $1.6 million of the $4 million target.

“We appreciate the community’s support of our effort to establish new roots,” Bobst remarked.

The building is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2025, and the groundbreaking is scheduled for Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.