Food Bank

Hours: Monday – Friday, 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Phone: (319) 351-0128

Weekly Food Bags

Residents of Johnson County can receive a pre-packed bag of food items once a week, with no limit on the number of weekly visits per year. Each bag is made up of canned and boxed foods, with fresh food items, hygiene and household products provided as available. The quantity of items is determined by family size and we strive for nutritional diversity.

The Food Bank is open weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm. If you need special accommodations, please call the Food bank at (319) 351-0128 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm and ask to speak to a staff member to discuss other options.

When the Iowa City Community School District cancels school because of bad weather, the Food Bank will also be closed.

Other Services

Information and referrals are an important part of the Food Bank’s services. We can guide you to other community agencies, organizations and programs that may be able to help.  Ask for assistance at the Food Bank front desk or call (319) 351-0128 weekdays between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Additional services are offered through generous donations and partnerships with other organizations. Some types of assistance are only provided when items are available. The Food Bank’s other services include:

  • Birthday bags – supplies to hold a birthday party for a child aged 3-15, supported by the Rotary Club of Iowa City Downtown
  • Infant and adult diapers – limited to 30 single-size diapers once a month
  • Single-ride bus tickets – available on the 1st day of the month until gone, limited to 3 per household per month, made available by Iowa City Transit
  • Mail acceptance – US first class mail may be directed to the Crisis Center, a signed contract with us is required
  • Clothing & household item vouchers - available thanks to the Crowded Closet and Goodwill Industries of Southeast Iowa. Available on the 1st day of the month until gone. The voucher’s value is based on the number of people in your family.

What to Expect When You Visit

All of the Food Bank’s services are provided on a first come, first served basis. There could be a wait to receive your food bag, especially when we first open at noon, so we ask for your patience and understanding. Our parking lot can also be crowded so use caution when entering and exiting.

All families who are new must be interviewed on their first visit before receiving services from the Food Bank. If it’s your first visit, please see the What to Bring With You section below.

It’s important that we update your family record periodically so you may be asked once or twice a year to confirm your address, number of members in the family, and other basic information.

What to Bring With You

If it’s your first time visiting the Food Bank, please plan to arrive before 4:00 pm so that we have time to collect information about your household prior to providing a food bag. A new family interview usually lasts 15 – 20 minutes.

You will need to provide your full address and the full names and birthdates of everyone who lives with you. For some of our funders, we also need to know the income and benefits received by everyone who lives with you, although this information does NOT change the amount or kind of food you will receive.

After your first visit, you will only need to give us your name to receive a food bag.