Food Assistance

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Local Office- Newton

  • Childcare Assistance: Helps pay for childcare while parents or caretakers work, attend school, look for employment or are unable to care for children due to medical reasons.
  • Families First: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) program to help families stay together and prevent the need for foster care.
  • Parent Partners: An innovative social work practice. It is unique because it celebrates individuals that have overcome obstacles through change, recovery, and accountability. Parent Partners are advocates for families. They also hold families accountable by through their case plan goals.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): An entitlement program that provides monthly benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing the food, they need to maintain adequate nutritional levels.
315 W. 3rd St. N. Suite 660
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-1955

Aging Resources of Central Iowa (disabled and over 60 years old)

It offers community, nutrition, and case management services, as well as access to community resources. The agency contracts with local providers to help provide services to individuals living in a community setting, allowing them to remain in the least restrictive environment.

Help with applying for waiver services including for homecare. 

Toll Free: 800-747-5352

  • Any Adult 60 years of Age or Older
  • Any Adult 18 Years of Age or Older with a Disability
  • Any Family Caregiver

2024 ASSISTED LIVING, MEMORY CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING HOUSING LIST

Keywords: seniors, elderly, older adults

5835 Grand Ave., Suite 106
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-255-1310

Blessing Boxes in Newton, Colfax: food

Blessing Boxes (Boy Scouts) in Newton: food for those in need. 

  • Connections, Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, 306 N Third Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • American Legion, 1101 W Fourth St S, Newton, IA 50208
  • First Baptist Youth Blessings Box, 620 S Eighth Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Christian Reformed Church, 511 S Fifth Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Christian Life Church of Newton, 421 S 2nd Ave W, Newton, IA 50208
  • The Least of Saints Church, 1305 E 10th St S., Newton, IA 50208
  • Grace Church, 1620 N 11th Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Parking lot across from Salvation Army

Blessing Boxes: Colfax

  • Howard Street Christian Church, 101 N Locust St, Colfax, IA 50054

If the above information has changed, please email jaspercocares@jasperia.org and we will correct it. 

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Key search words: food, hungry, homeless, blessing, box, canned goods, hunger, no food, church, no money, starving

 

Other Categories: Assistance

First United Methodist Church

Wednesday night meal in Newton church basement.

IMPACT Community Action Partnership

IMPACT Community Action Partnership reduces the barriers and burdens that families in poverty experience by increasing access to essential needs. Assistance may be available for food and personal hygiene, utilities (heat, water, and cooling), housing (rent, deposit, and mortgage), and emergency needs.
All services are available in the office, over the phone, and by a scheduled home visit. Several programs can also be accessed via online application, email, or postal mail. See our website or contact our team by phone or email to learn more. 

Offers help with emergency applications such as flood or weather damage events. 

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Food Cards: IMPACT Resource Centers located in counties where we do not have a food pantry (Jasper, Marion, and Warren) offer limited access to food cards for local grocery stores. Please call 515-518-4770 to check on the availability of the cards.

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RAYS Scholarship: for eligible low-income students to participate in sports, band, dance, etc.

AIR CONDITIONER/FAN PROGRAM | IMPACT COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER or (ECAP) Emergency Cooling Program: Applications accepted June 1 - September 30 or until all units have been expended. Must meet income guidelines for the LIHEAP program, must provide a statement from a physician indicating medical need and must take Energy Wise class within 3 business days of application. Renters, allowed window unit only, will need a signed landlord approval statement. If the client rents and the landlord provides central air or a window unit it is the responsibility of the landlord to repair or replace. If the client rents and must provide their own window air conditioner they may be eligible. Household cannot have received an air conditioner from Impact in the previous seven years.
Home Visit Available, Newton, IA, 50208 

(515) 518-4770

From 211.

3226 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-518-4770

Jasper County Hunger Relief

Meal packaging events. 

Jasper County Hunger Relief is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation dedicated to the goal of fighting hunger. Our approach to achieving this goal is the packaging of highly nutritious, vitamin-fortified meals by volunteers at locations around Jasper County, and the distribution of those meals to those facing hunger and food insecurity, primarily in the communities of our county.

We recently began working with a new partner in our mission, The Outreach Program, a non-profit based in Union, Iowa. We now get our meal packaging supplies from this organization. They have 10 different varieties of nutritious meals available to us for packaging events!

The focus of our mission has become even more local, as we are now working to distribute our meals entirely within the communities of Jasper County. Our meals have been distributed in Newton, Kellogg, Lynnville, Sully, Colfax, Mingo, and Baxter through food banks, blessing boxes, churches, and other charitable organizations.

Jasper County Hunger Relief is governed by a board of local volunteers, who also handle the logistics of running the meal packaging events. The organization has no paid staff, so all donations go to the support of our mission.

Blessing Boxes (Boy Scouts) in Newton: food for those in need. 

  • Connections, Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, 306 N Third Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • American Legion, 1101 W Fourth St S, Newton, IA 50208
  • First Baptist Youth Blessings Box, 620 S Eighth Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Christian Reformed Church, 511 S Fifth Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Christian Life Church of Newton, 421 S 2nd Ave W, Newton, IA 50208
  • The Least of Saints Church, 1305 E 10th St S., Newton, IA 50208
  • Grace Church, 1620 N 11th Ave E, Newton, IA 50208
  • Parking lot across from Salvation Army

Blessing Boxes: Colfax

  • Howard Street Christian Church, 101 N Locust St, Colfax, IA 50054

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Keywords: food, homeless, hungry, hunger, meal, meals, burritos

Holy Trinity Church
Newton, IA 50208
515-257-6460
Other Categories: Volunteer Opportunities

Jasper County Veterans Affairs VA

 Helps with the following claim forms: compensation, pension, burial, headstone application, education, dependency and indemnity, eligibility verification report, healthcare, insurance, dental, and home loans. Indigent veteran assistance is also available for housing, food, and utilities. Transportation for medical visits in coordination with RSVP/Jasper Co. Rides. 

315 W. 3rd St. N., Suite 250
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-7993

MICA (Mid-Iowa Community Action) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and Maternal Child Health programs

Mid Iowa Community Action MICA

WIC: Pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, infant, children up to age 5. 

WIC Times and locations:

Newton Salvation Army

  • 1st Monday of every month
    9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • 2nd Tuesday of every month
    10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
  • 2nd Monday and Wednesday of every month
    8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Howard St. Christian Church in Colfax

  • 1st Wednesday of every month
    8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

Keywords: pregnant, breastfeeding, breastfed, milk, WIC, postpartum, baby, infant

MICA Food Pantry

MICA runs three emergency food pantries located in Hardin, Story, and Poweshiek counties.

What is the emergency food pantry?

The emergency food pantry is designed to help you put food on the table if you are struggling. We also have hygiene and cleaning products in most of our food pantries, including diapers, soap, shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products, and other essentials. All of our food pantries allow you to make a choice among several different options to help you select items you will be able to use and accommodate dietary restrictions. A typical food package feeds a family for two to three days, but we also may have other goods donated from bakeries and grocery stores that are available to take for anyone in need.

Do I qualify for the emergency food pantry?

The food pantry is designed for families who are earning under $53,000 for a family of four. You are welcome to visit the food pantry if you are unable to provide food for your family.

Keyword search: pregnant, infant, breastfeeding, breastmilk, new mom, postpartum, food, WIC, WIC coupons, formula, milk

1001 S. 18th Ave.
Marshalltown, IA
641-752-7162

Pay it Forward Clothes Closet

  • Free donated clothing.
  • Hours Mon 6-7, Tues & Wed 10-2, Thurs 9-12, Sat 10-12.
  • Closed 3rd Sat of the month.
  • Breadline- see Facebook for dates in coordination with Salvation Army. 
403 East Street
Lynnville, IA 50153
(641) 527-2758
Other Categories: Clothing- Donation Centers

PCM Clothing Closet

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit clothing closet run by a group of volunteers. We take clothing donations, sort thru them and put on display racks for individuals or families to shop for what they need. We are located on the second floor of the FRC Family Life Center in Prairie City, Iowa (across the street from the fire station).

Breadline- see Facebook for more information. In coordination with Salvation Army. 

105 S Sherman St
Prairie CIty, IA 50228
515-497-0221
Other Categories: Clothing- Donation Centers

SNAP hotline- Food Bank of Iowa

The SNAP hotline is here to help you with qualification and application questions. Call 855-944-3663 or email foodassistanceoutreach@iowafba.org.

855-944-3663

Supplemental Food Program for Seniors

  • The Commodity Supplemental Foods Program (CSFP) provides supplemental food and nutrition education for the elderly ages 60 and over at no cost.

2309 Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-286-3655

Tony's Meals

We provide freshly made home-delivered meals in the central Iowa area.

400 E Court Ave, Ste 150
Des Moines, IA
(515) 280-6800

Children

Ellipsis (formerly Youth Emergency Services & Shelter - YESS)

Our impact ranges from ensuring kids’ basic needs for food, shelter, education, and caring social interaction are met, to facilitating immeasurable, trajectory-changing personal changes — the impact of which ripples across our communities. 

PO Box 39
Johnston, IA 50131
515-243-3459

Free & Reduced School Lunch Program - Food

Income-eligible children can have school lunch costs paid through the USDA. Please contact your child’s school in your area to get more information.

Keywords: food, lunch, breakfast, hunger, hungry, no money, kids, school

Other Categories: Educational Resources

Farmers Markets

Baxter Farmer's Market

120 S Main St
Baxter, IA 50028
515-564-9536

Newton Farmers Market

N. 2nd Ave. W.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-5545
Tuesdays in June through September from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Prairie City Farmers Market - Garden Square

103 E. Jefferson St.
Prairie City, IA 50228
Thursdays from June 1 to September 28, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Food Pantries in Jasper County

Baxter Food Pantry

The Baxter Food Pantry is Open by Appointment Only

  • Please call the number below to make an appointment to pick up food at a time that is convenient for you.
  • For more information or immediate need, or to donate, call Jo at 641-227-3391 or Bruce at 515-250-4839
  • 100% of your cash donation is used to purchase food for the pantry.

 

  • The Baxter Food Pantry hosts a breadline every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Baxter Community Center, 203 S. Main St, Baxter, IA. 
  • Everyone is welcome, regardless of income. You must live within the Baxter School District or within the Baxter City Limits. 

Keywords: food, pantry, bread, breadline

203 S. Main St.
Baxter, IA 50028
641-227-3391 Jo
By appointment only. Breadline every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Colfax-Mingo Area Food Pantry

Appointment only, 8 AM-8PM, Monday- Saturday. Bring ID with you. 

Established in 872. Neighbors by neighbors

More phone numbers:

  • Judy 515-953-9953
  • Tracy: 515-971-2292
  • Mandy: 515-661-2045
  • Paul: 515-494-8721
  • Teresa 515-494-8721
  • Jim 515-674-3018
  • Jessica: 515-975-1720

501x2- nonprofit. Donations may be sent to PO Box 33, Colfax, Iowa 50054

125 W. State St.
Colfax, IA 50054
515-674-4335
by appointment from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

East Jasper Christian Food Pantry

The Pantry serves Jasper County East of a line corresponding to Highway T-12, including Kellogg, Lynnville, Sully, Galesburg, Newburg & surrounding areas. The mailing address for the East Jasper Christian Food Pantry is PO Box 333, Kellogg Iowa, 50135

keyword search: food, food pantry, hungry, homeless, food help

423 2nd St. , mailing address PO Box 333
Kellogg, IA 50315
641-594-4483

Food Bank of Iowa

At Food Bank of Iowa, we believe no one should have to go hungry. We gather and distribute more than 1.5 million pounds of nutritious food each month to 700 partners across 55 Iowa counties, getting help to those who need it the most.

We recommend that you call a pantry or partner before you go to check their hours or any requirements they may have.

FIND FOOD ASSISTANCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY https://foodbankiowa.org/find-food/

Learn about food programs for Jasper COunty Schools

2220 E 17th Street
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-564-0330

Grace Food Pantry

Grace Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 9-11am and Thursday from 3:30- 5:30pm. 

You can find us at Grace Church of Newton- 1620 N 11th Ave E, Newton, IA 50208. Call Grace Church at (641) 792-1793 with any questions. 

Must bring ID and proof of residency. 

1620 N. 11th Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-1793
Mondays from 9-11am and Thursday from 3:30- 5:30pm. 

Heart to Heart Food Pantry

The food pantry was created to give a "hand up" to those who are in need of assistance for whatever reason. We are ready to serve you, all visits are confidential.

Breadline

Keyword search, food, food pantry, hungry, hunger, starving, homeless, bread

14263 Hwy. F-62 E.
Lynnville, IA 50153
641-780-3022

Mingo Public Library, also Mingo Caring Corner

Food pantry and clothes closet serving Jasper County.

307 Mohawk Dr.
Mingo, IA 50168
9.13.23 New Food Pantry Hours effective today Monday 3-5 Tuesday 9-12 Wednesday 1-5 Thursday 9-12 Saturday 9-11

PCM Food Pantry

Organized by Monroe Presbyterian Church

115 S. Main St.
Monroe, IA 50170
641-259-2657
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Monday: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Salvation Army- Newton (Thrift store, food pantry)

  • Emergency assistance with rent and utilities for low-income residents of Jasper County who have received utility disconnects or rental evictions. Also offers food pantry, clothing, and household assistance.
  • Emergency Food Pantry  Monday through Friday from 10-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. (as needed) Jasper County residents can use the emergency food pantry once every 30 days for canned goods, packaged foods, and other staples. Those wishing to use the pantry are required to complete a form provided by The Salvation Army as well as give identification, employment verification or paycheck stubs, a piece of current mail to validate residency, and Social Security cards for all members of the household. The food pantry may be closed for restocking two days a month.
  • Bread Line and Produce Giveaway  |  Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Free bread and sweets, donated by local Walmart and Hy-Vee bakeries, are available to any Jasper County residents in need on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no income requirements. Residents may visit the line twice a week.

Keywords: food, clothes, pantry, hungry, rent, homeless, household items, utility, eviction, bread

301 N. 2nd Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-6131

Free Lunch

Connections Peer Support- Capstone

  • Lunch service Monday - Friday.
  • Warming and Cooling Shelter from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m
  • For Mental Health - see Capstone BH link

Keywords: food, help, connect, 

306 N. 3rd Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-275-3516

Discover Hope 517 Ministry

  • Free community meals are available. Hours Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
  • Showers available from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Warming and cooling location from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Men's restoration house- transitional housing (Holds up to 12 men) see website for application. 
733 1st Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-841-0598
Monday thru Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Seniors

Iowa Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

What is the Program? Seniors can receive fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs from farmers’ markets and roadside stands. This program not only helps seniors but also helps develop new and additional farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs.

  • Each eligible individual receives 10 – $5 checks or $50 in benefits.

  • The checks can be used to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.

  • Each person can receive SFMNP once per year.

  • Checks can be used between June 1st and October 31st.

Am I eligible?

  • You must be 60 years of age or older

  • Your yearly income must be at or less than:

    • $27,861 if single

    • $37,814 if a married couple

How can I apply?

Residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk and Warren counties may apply by contacting IMPACT Community Action Partnership:

 

515-518-4770

Jasper County Elderly Nutrition

  • Over age 60. There is no charge for the meals, but donations are accepted and needed. 
  • Home-delivered meals, on-site, Monroe & Newton, Holiday, emergency, weekend meals, & Farmer's Market. 
  • Congregate Meal Sites: Colfax Senior Center, Monroe: The Gathering Place, Newton: Jasper County Community Center.
  • Meals are served at 11:30 AM, Monday to Friday.  Call to reserve a meal. 

Keywords: seniors. food, hungry, meals, help at home, seniors, elderly, meal assistance, older adult, and socialization. 

2401 1st Ave. E.
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-7102

Mom's Meals

Mom's Meals provides home-delivered, medically tailored meals designed by registered dietitians and professional chefs.

Mom’s Meals has meal options and programs that serve a wide range of health and nutritional needs. In many cases, meals may be covered under a health plan or other type of benefit. 

Seniors, check with Aging Resources.

3210 SE Corporate Woods Drive
Ankeny, IA 50021
1-877-508-6667
Other Categories: Senior Services

Disclaimer: This information was provided by agencies in the community. It may not be all-encompassing and some information changes often. For Jasper County offices and contact information, browse our county directory.

Updates: If you have an addition or edit to our Resource Guide, please contact us at jaspercocares@jasperia.org.

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