WEBSTER CITY-The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is excited to announce its Annual Food Pantry Challenge for September 2025, bringing together a coalition of local financial institutions to assist with combating food insecurity in Hamilton County.
This year’s challenge features expanded support from six sponsors: Availa Bank, First State Bank/Town & Country, People’s Credit Union, Security Savings Bank, WCF Financial Bank, in addition to the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation. Together, they will match donations up to $6,500, with a minimum goal of raising a combined total of $13,000 to support local food pantries.
“We’re thrilled to have such strong community partnership this year,” said Darcy Swon, Development Director at the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation. “The addition of Security Savings Bank to our sponsor family demonstrates the growing commitment of our financial institutions to address hunger in Hamilton County.”
The challenge builds on last year’s tremendous success, when the community exceeded expectations by raising $15,166.67 – surpassing the goal by over $3,100. This year’s expanded matching fund capacity aims to inspire even greater community generosity.
Throughout September, every dollar donated will be matched dollar for dollar up to the first $6,500, thanks to these Food Pantry Challenge sponsors. All additional contributions will go directly to supporting the six food pantries across Hamilton County. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
How to Donate: Checks should be made payable to the “Enhance Hamilton County Foundation”, with the memo line indicating the specific food pantry the donor wishes to support. If the memo line is left blank, the donation will be evenly distributed among all six supported pantries:
- All Cultures Equal/Asbury United Methodist Church (Webster City)
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Webster City)
- Trinity Lutheran Church (Webster City)
- Upper Des Moines Opportunity (Webster City)
- Lord’s Cupboard (Jewell)
- Stratford Food Pantry (Stratford)
Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation, located at 501 Bank Street, Webster City, IA 50595. For after-hours donations, please use the secure drop box located in the entryway of the Foundation office.
Recent data shows that 12% of Iowans face food insecurity, with the need particularly acute following challenges like the recent Stratford grocery store closure. Cash donations provide exceptional value to food pantries, allowing them to purchase staples like 50 pounds of rice for just $2 compared to nearly $100 at retail stores.
Over the past 11 years, the Food Pantry Challenge has raised more than $178,000 for local food pantries, demonstrating the sustained community commitment to addressing hunger in Hamilton County.
For more information or questions, please contact Darcy Swon at the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation by calling 515-835-0437 or via email at dswon@enhancehamiltoncounty.org.