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Cedar Rapids to donate 25,000 to HACAP food bank

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/04 .. -rapids-to-donate-25-000-to-hacap-food-bank.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 20:07 GMT by ABC Kcrg 9

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Cedar Rapids Community Group Donates $25,000 to Hacap Food Bank, Strengthening Local Hunger Relief Efforts

A local community organization in Cedar Rapids has stepped forward with a significant contribution to the region’s most prominent food bank, Hacap Food Bank, by donating $25,000 in November 2025. The donation, announced on KCRG’s website, aims to bolster the food bank’s capacity to serve a growing number of families struggling with food insecurity, especially in the wake of recent economic challenges.

The Donation and Its Immediate Impact

The $25,000 donation was made by the Cedar Rapids Community Action Group (CRCAG), a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to addressing social needs in the area. According to the article, the funds will be allocated across several key areas:

• Staple Food Reserves: The food bank will increase its inventory of non-perishable items such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and flour. This ensures a steady supply of basic foods during months when distribution peaks.
• Fresh Produce: A portion of the donation will purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables, aiming to improve nutritional diversity for clients.
• Special Needs Supplies: The funds will also support the procurement of specialized items for clients with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free products and low-sodium options.

The KCRG piece notes that Hacap Food Bank has been operating at near full capacity for the past year, with weekly distributions reaching more than 8,000 individuals. The donation is expected to reduce the wait times for clients and enable the food bank to serve additional families, particularly those affected by job losses in the manufacturing sector.

Hacap Food Bank’s Role in the Community

Hacap Food Bank, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, is a nonprofit organization that has served the region for over 30 years. The article provides a brief overview of the organization’s operations:

• Distribution Network: Hacap operates a central distribution hub and partners with more than 150 community agencies, including churches, schools, and local shelters, to distribute food across the county.
• Volunteer Engagement: The food bank relies on a large volunteer base, with over 2,000 volunteers contributing more than 50,000 hours each year.
• Nutrition Education: Beyond food distribution, Hacap offers nutrition education programs and cooking classes to help clients make healthy choices within limited budgets.

According to Hacap’s Executive Director, Maria Lopez, the donation comes at a “critical time” when the organization is expanding its outreach to underserved neighborhoods. “We have seen a 20% increase in requests over the past six months, and this donation allows us to meet that demand without compromising the quality of our services,” Lopez said.

Community Leadership Praise

The KCRG article quotes several local leaders who praised the donation:

• Mayor Thomas Green: “Cedar Rapids has always prided itself on its spirit of generosity. This donation is a testament to the community’s commitment to ensuring no one in our city goes hungry.”
• Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce President, Susan Patel: “It’s encouraging to see local groups taking proactive steps to address food insecurity. Partnerships like this are essential for long-term sustainability.”

In addition, the article highlighted the broader impact of the donation on the city’s food security metrics. According to the city’s most recent report, Cedar Rapids has a food insecurity rate of 12.4%, higher than the national average. By supporting Hacap Food Bank, the donation directly contributes to the city’s goal of reducing that rate by 3% over the next three years.

Follow‑Up on Related Initiatives

The original KCRG article included a link to Hacap Food Bank’s official website, where readers can view a detailed breakdown of the food bank’s current needs and ongoing programs. Following the link, the website offered additional resources such as:

• Volunteer Sign‑Up Forms: Individuals can register to help with sorting, packaging, and distribution.
• Corporate Giving Programs: Businesses are encouraged to partner through matching gift initiatives or direct sponsorship.
• Nutritional Guides: The site provides guidance for clients on creating balanced meals with limited ingredients.

Another link from the article directed readers to the Cedar Rapids Community Action Group’s page, which details the group’s broader mission. The CRCAG website lists a range of services beyond food, including job training, financial literacy workshops, and youth mentorship programs. The donation to Hacap Food Bank is part of a larger strategy to address multiple facets of poverty in the region.

Future Outlook

Both Hacap Food Bank and the Cedar Rapids community leadership expressed optimism about the future. Lopez noted that the donation would help the food bank plan for seasonal spikes in demand, such as during winter and holiday periods. Meanwhile, Mayor Green emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between nonprofits and municipal agencies to create a more resilient food system.

The KCRG article concludes by underscoring the collective effort required to tackle food insecurity. It calls on residents to support local food banks through donations, volunteer work, or by spreading awareness. As Hacap Food Bank prepares to allocate the new funds, the community’s solidarity promises to make a tangible difference in the lives of many families who rely on these essential services.

In a city where community bonds run deep, this generous donation highlights how local action can translate into real, measurable outcomes. The partnership between the Cedar Rapids Community Action Group and Hacap Food Bank serves as a model for how communities across the country might approach the complex challenge of ensuring food security for all residents.