Little Free Pantries arrive at A-P schools

Last week, Aplington and Parkersburg became home to the newest Little Free Pantries sponsored by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation.  Located at the Aplington-Parkersburg Elementary and Middle Schools, these pantries will be a vital resource to children in need.

“The school buildings are the best places to house these pantries as they are the hub of activity for our families,” said Aplington-Parkersburg Middle School Principal Brian Buseman.

Each Little Free Pantry provides 24/7 access for families facing short-term, emergency situations. The pantries supplement existing hunger relief efforts for families who do not have the ability to buy food or have limited access to pantries or community shelters.

“These Little Free Pantries will be a great beginning resource for families facing emergency need,” added Aplington-Parkersburg Elementary School Principal Amy May. “The generosity of people like the Hansens and those who make this concept a reality is amazing.”

The pantries will be looked after by Iowa Select Farms employees living in each community. In Aplington, Finishing and Transportation Director Ron Rush will ensure the pantry is kept stocked. “The middle school is the perfect location,” Rush said. “With four kids of my own attending the school next year, I’m looking forward to them helping me keep the pantry stocked and meeting the needs of their classmates.”

In Parkersburg, Craig and Nancy Schrage will be taking care of the pantry. Craig is a production well-being specialist and Nancy is a finishing manager. “The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation does so much for our community,” Nancy Schrage said. “We are so grateful to be directly involved in this program and are grateful to the school for its partnership.”

“I applaud the kindness of the Schrage and Rush families for dedicating themselves to this program,” May said. “It will serve as a reminder of the good people in this community and how much we have to be thankful for.”

Started in 2019, the Little Free Pantry program has since grown to serve eight communities across Iowa. The pantries are stocked and cared for by the employees and families of Iowa Select Farms who shop for canned goods, snacks, warm hats and mittens, diapers and children’s care products, and other seasonal items to make sure the pantries are never empty.

Iowa craftsmen bring the pantries to life, from design to installation. The pantries are hand-painted by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen, Freedom Rock Artist, and feature rural landscapes and community landmarks, celebrating the connection between farming and strong communities.

The pantries are constructed by Phil Jass, a furniture maker and wood craftsman from Alden. Included on the Parkersburg Little Free Pantry is a tribute to the Aplington-Parkersburg legendary football coach, Ed Thomas.

Founded in 2006, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation carries out programs across Iowa focused on providing hunger relief, showing gratitude to members of the Armed Services, and supporting families impacted by childhood cancer.