The City of Kalona is helping seniors in need with the delivery of 100 bags of food today.

City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says the success of distributing food to the public at large with their “pop up pantries” is allowing them to expand their efforts to better serve older citizens, “We’ve reshifted our focus just a little bit from the bulk food distribution and drive up (operations), to now we’re narrowing our focus to the seniors with a program to assist them.”

Schlabaugh says the bags will include a variety of non-perishable items, canned meats and a dozen fresh eggs. He says they worked with the Goodwin Center to help identify seniors in need as well as soliciting responses through print and social media platforms and most of the seniors receiving food bags today live in Kalona and Wellman. Schlabaugh says both cities are working together to begin a regular Tuesday distribution of hot meals to seniors starting January 5.

Citizens wishing to receive free meals can sign up by calling city hall in each community.  Schlabaugh says they won’t turn away anyone in need, but they may be limited geographically in their delivery area.