Food Bank of Iowa has received a $75,000 grant from the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation, providing $15,000 annually for five years, to sustain its veterans’ mobile food distribution in Wapello County.

Held on the first Thursday, the program serves approximately 200 veteran households each month. Wapello County Veteran Affairs leaders joined with Food Bank of Iowa to establish the special distribution in 2022. The mobile pantry provides nutritious food in a trusted space where veteran volunteers serve veterans facing food insecurity. The two-hour, drive-through distribution is held at the Emergency Management Building, 2417 Emma St., Ottumwa. All participants are required to register annually, and are provided information about SNAP and other resources for long-term stability.

Food, connection and support for vets
“Through our board and staff volunteering, we’ve seen firsthand how meaningful this program is,” said Kelly Genners, President and CEO of the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation. “We’re proud to sponsor a mobile pantry that provides healthy food, connection and support to those who have served our country.”

The impact is substantial. In fiscal year 2025, the pantry provided 75,261 meals to 4,140 individuals in 2,302 veteran households. With annual operating costs of $50,000, the program delivers food with a retail value of $250,000.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this investment in the health and well-being of our veterans, and for the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation’s long-term commitment toward hunger relief,” said Food Bank of Iowa Vice President of Philanthropy Bergetta Beardsley. “This partnership will continue to make a real difference in the Ottumwa community.”