Rural communities make up 87% of counties with the highest rate of overall food insecurity, according to Feeding America, and this need is emphasized during Hunger Action Month.

In partnership with Feeding America, the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program helps families throughout eastern Iowa that struggle with food insecurity. Over 10 million meals are given away annually through partner organizations in seven counties with a goal to build strong and thriving communities. HACAP Mobile Food Pantry Coordinator Bob Andrlik explains how the mobile food pantry has been making an impact in local communities, “We’re setting up for an hour and people come through the pantry. We load them up with food and send them out and hopefully it helps their ability to pay their rent or cover other costs by not having to pay for food.”

Andrlik encourages all residents to help volunteer and spread awareness throughout the year to help the fight against hunger. The mobile food pantry has already made stops in Washington, Linn and Cedar counties this month with 13 more stops planned for the month of September. For more information on volunteer opportunities and a complete schedule of the mobile pantry visit here.