The struggle against hunger persists daily for families facing the repercussions of sudden job loss, unforeseen medical expenses, seniors relying mainly on Social Security for income, and a variety of life events that impact a family’s financial situation. Although the Grimes Storehouse’s services may not eradicate hunger entirely, they do ensure that our neighbors do not have to endure empty stomachs each night.
According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food pantries, over 50,000 individuals in Polk County experience food insecurity. Your support helps us combat this critical issue and assist those in need within our community.
Within our pantry, we offer a variety of quality food items to cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We also have refrigeration and freezer space so we can offer fresh and frozen choices like meat, vegetables, eggs, and dairy. Beyond nourishment, we understand the significance of personal hygiene, household, and baby care items. These are often overlooked necessities that we also strive to provide.
Most Needed Items: Updated 10/29/2024
- Skillet dinners
- Potatoes: boxed, canned & side dishes
- Rice: boxed, side dishes, instant
- Pancake syrup
- Spaghetti & Alfredo sauce
- Soup: chicken noodle, tomato, vegetable, cream of chicken & mushroom
- Soup – large cans
- Broth/stock: chicken, beef & vegetable
- Crackers: saltine, Ritz & graham
- Vegetables, canned: carrots, & mixed vegetables
- Fruit, canned: Peaches & Mandarin oranges
- Bottled juice: 64 oz
- Juice boxes/pouches
- Individual snack crackers and fruit cups for children
- Peanut butter: large size
- Beans: chili & Pork-n-beans
- Ramen noodles: chicken & beef
- Gelatin & instant pudding boxes
- Condiments: ketchup, mayo, ranch & french dressing
- Baking: flour & sugar (5 lbs.), chocolate chips
- Cake mix & frosting, brownie & cookie mixes
Personal Care
- Toilet paper, paper towels & facial tissues
- Laundry detergent: all sizes
- Diapers: sizes 4-7
- Baby wipes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash & lotion
- Dish soap
- Cleaning products
- Kitchen garbage & storage bags
Donation Drop-off
Food donations can be dropped off at the Storehouse during the hours of operation below. Please bring it to our attention if you have included perishable items.
- Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30 to 11:30AM
- 1st and 2nd Tuesday of each month: 5:30–7:00PM
Satellite Drop-Off Sites
We also offer satellite locations for your drop-off convenience. We pick up donations from the following locations on a weekly basis:
- Grimes Public Library (located in both entry ways)
- Fareway – Grimes (Bin located by the exit doors)
- Grimes City Hall (8 AM – 4:30 PM inside the front door)
- Banker Trust (lobby)
- Grimes Churches
Amazon Shopping
Making food donations is now easier than ever. Click on the Amazon Wish List button below to view our current needs. Add items of your choosing to your cart and check out. Items will be shipped to the Grimes Storehouse. Donations are anonymous, unless you mark your order as a gift and put your name in the notes section.
The Food Pantry had over 940 requests for food last year. Our goal is to provide each family with enough basic food for one week. What we give them depends largely upon what we have been given by our generous donors. We have been blessed and thank you for all you have given. Since opening 4 years ago, our shelves have been kept full.
Food Donation Best Practices:
- Check dates on all food packaging prior to donating. Discard any items if they “use by” date has passed.
- Check dented cans to ensure the seal is unbroken. If the lip pops or gives a bit when pushed, please discard. If the lid doesn’t, we’ll still accept the item.
- Check food item packaging to verify they are not in soiled containers, boxes or rusted cans.
TIP: Look for items with low sugar, fat, and salt when possible.
What Can I Donate?
Food
- Cereal
- Instant Oatmeal
- Granola Bars
- Boxed Crackers(Saltines, Ritz. Graham)
- Soup
- Beans (Chili/Kidney, Pork-n-Beans Baked)
- Corn Muffin Mix
- Pancake Mix
- Pancake Syrup
- Canned Chicken
- Canned Tuna
- Skillet Dinners
- Cake/Brownie/Cookie Mixes
- Instant Mashed & Boxed Potatoes
- Mac & Cheese
- Ramen Noodles
- Pasta (elbow or bowtie)
- Spaghetti
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Rice
- Pasta & Potato Sides
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Tomato Sauce
- Canned Tomatoes
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruit
- Fruit Cups
- Bottled Juice (64 oz.)
- Boxed Gelatin & Instant Pudding
- Condiments(Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Salad Dressing)
Infant Items
- Diapers
- Baby Formula
- Baby Food
- Baby Wipes
- Toddler Food
- Baby Shampoo
Household and Personal Care items:
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Kleenex
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Liquid Body Wash
- Body/Hand Lotion
- Dish Soap
- Kitchen Storage & Garbage Bags
- Cleaning Products (Mr. Clean, Lysol, etc.)
- Toothpaste
- Laundry Soap (Small, Medium & Large)
- Men’s & Women’s Deodorant
- Feminine Products
- Disposable Razors
- Shaving Cream