The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation has announced the final results of the 2025 Food Pantry Challenge, which ran throughout the month of September. Thanks to the generous support of community donors and matching sponsors, the challenge raised $15,166, exceeding the original goal by $2,166.
This year’s challenge featured a dollar-for-dollar match on the first $6,500 in charitable gifts, made possible through a partnership with challenge match sponsors Availa Bank, First State Bank, People’s Credit Union, Security Savings Bank and WCF Financial Bank.
“The response from our community has been overwhelming and heartwarming,” said Darcy Swon, Director of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation. “Exceeding our goal demonstrates that Hamilton County residents truly understand the critical role our local food pantries play in supporting our neighbors facing food insecurity.”
The funds raised will directly benefit local food pantries throughout Hamilton County, with donors having the option to designate their gifts to specific pantries or split them among all participating locations:
Webster City:
- Upper Des Moines Opportunity: $1,531.82
- Trinity Lutheran Church: $2,481.92
- St. Paul Lutheran Church: $4,631.82
- All Cultures Equal/Asbury United Methodist Church: $1,531.82
Jewell:
- The Lord’s Cupboard: $3,206.82
Stratford:
- Stratford Food Pantry: $1,781.80
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our challenge match sponsors – Availa Bank, First State Bank, People’s Credit Union, Security Savings Bank, and WCF Financial Bank – and to every donor who participated in the Food Pantry Challenge and made this success possible,” added Swon.
The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will continue the Food Pantry Challenge in September 2026.
For more information about the Food Pantry Challenge or the work of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation, please contact Darcy Swon at 515-835-0437 or dswon@enhancehamiltoncounty.org.