The Creston Area Food Pantry was started many years ago by Kathy Goodrich in the basement of the United Church of Christ building on Montgomery St. serving a small group of people who needed help meeting their food needs.
In 2016, Mark and Mary O’Riley purchased the building at 417 Wyoming St. that was formerly the Assembly of God Church. The food pantry was moved to that location to provide more room. A board of directors was set up and the Creston Area Food Pantry, Inc. was established as a non-profit organization.
In May 2020, Mark and Mary O’Riley donated the building to the Creston Area Food Pantry, Inc. and the board now owns the building and runs the program. Mark O’Riley has chosen to dedicate his time to the Creston Food Shelf, a program under the Creston Area Food Pantry which provides food to students for the weekend. Everyone has been working together for many years but the building transfer was another step to help the board take more ownership in the whole program.
For those who would be interested in volunteering at the food pantry, you can contact Kathy Goodrich at 515-525-4428 or Joyce Baker at 641-344-3428. Donations can be sent to the Creston Area Food Pantry, Inc. P.O. Box 669 Creston, IA 50801.