IOWA CITY - When the calendar hits the first of the month -- the doors stay open and the food moves out. One month ago on November 1...

"We saw about 332 families in that single day," said Sarah Benson Witry, Food Bank Program Director at the Crisis Center of Johnson County, on Gilbert Court in Iowa City.

...part of a record November for people served.

"Every day of the week, from noon until 4:30," said Cyndy Conger as she talked about the hours people can pick up groceries and supplies. Conger is a retired English teacher who has made the food bank her mission, twice a week as a volunteer, since 2003.

"I don't know if you've seen the line outside - but there's quite a line," said Becci Reedus, moments before the doors opened at noon.

Once noon hit today, the volunteers and staffers worked to meet demand. People rushed through -- all to get groceries and other supplies to fill the need.


Even just in the brief time we were here, a local chiropractor dropped off dozens of bags of food. Those bags become the large, thick, paper bags. Thousands of them. The crisis center says about 3,600 bags were handed out last month to about 1900 families.

Between packing the food and trying to make space - Reedus says the center often doesn't have room in the buildings on some days for all the clients - does it get discouraging when this many people need help?

"It would be harder if the need kept increasing and the community didn't respond," said Reedus.

Phoenix Paintin is a junior at UI and started volunteering in October. "I look at it as positive as I can and that we're helping people."

The Crisis Center is always looking for further help. Here is a "Top Ten" request list:

1. Cash/monetary donations
2. Canned Meat
3. Peanut Butter
4. Soups and Stews
5. Canned Vegetables
6. Canned Fruits
7. Pasta & Rice
8. Baby Formula
9. Diapers (size 1 and 2)
10. Toilet Paper

Contact information:
The Crisis Center Food Bank
1121 Gilbert Court
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 351-0128