With SNAP payments set to halt on November 1, we want to ensure our community is aware of the many school and community resources available to help families access the food they need.
Cedar Rapids Community School District is committed to supporting students and families facing food insecurity. Our school-based food pantries provide essential groceries and supplies to students and their families because we know that when students are hungry, it affects their ability to learn, focus, and thrive.
We also invite community members, organizations, and local businesses to consider donating to one of our school-based food pantries. Your support helps us ensure that every student has access to nutritious food every day.
Below, you’ll find a list of food pantries currently accepting donations, along with a directory of our school-based and community food resources. Together, we can make a difference for our students and families.
CRCSD Food Pantry Donation Information
This is a list of CRCSD food pantries currently accepting donations, this is not a comprehensive list of all schools with food pantries serving students.
HIGH SCHOOL PANTRY LOCATIONS:
Kennedy High School:
4545 Wenig Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM-3:30PM
Drop off location: At the front entrance, there is a big cage and a shopping cart
Donation Restrictions: Non-perishable preferred; they do have a small refrigerator
School Food Pantry Contact: Jenny McAtee, Kennedy Teacher (jmcatee@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: snack items, peanut butter and jelly, Mac n cheese, pasta and sauce, ramen, oatmeal pouches and cereal are big hits with students
Metro High School:
1212 7th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Drop off hours: By appointment only. Please contact the School Social Worker, Mary Cruise (mcruise@crschools.us or call 319-558-2193)
Drop off location: Metro High School By appointment only. Please contact the School Social Worker, Mary Cruise (mcruise@crschools.us or call 319-558-2193)
Donation Restrictions: Due to some safety concerns, we do not accept razors. We are limited to freezer and refrigerator space, so items needing these amenities are usually scheduled with the Social Worker. Metro HS also does not accept any items that have expired or have reached the “Best if used by” date.
School Food Pantry Contact: Mary Cruise (mcruise@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: Household Items are a priority at this time: 13-gallon garbage bags, laundry soap, dish soap, paper towels and toilet paper. Another item needed is full-sized toothpaste. Food Items would include Macaroni and Cheese, Canned Pasta, Pancake Mix and Syrup as well as Spaghetti Sauce and Tomato Juice.
Additional Information: Metro High School does offer the community the opportunity to donate through our “Adopt A Box” program, as well as by shopping from our “Grocery List” which can be acquired by the School Social Worker. The list is updated often based on the needs of the pantry and the families. Community Members may reach out to Mary Cruise by calling the main number 319-558-2193 or emailing her directly at mcruise@crschools.us.
Washington High School Warrior Closet:
2205 Forest Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM-3:30PM
Drop off location: Main Office
Donation Restrictions: No refrigerated items
School Food Pantry Contact: Amy Rouse, Engagement Specialist (arouse@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high-need items: Canned goods, non-perishable items, rice, hygiene products, tampons, and pads. Frozen meat is also accepted, but it must be thoroughly frozen on delivery.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PANTRY LOCATIONS:
Franklin Middle School:
300 20th St NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM-3:30PM
Drop off location: B Avenue Door (Call Brooke Baker on arrival at 319-558-2452 ext 4)
Donation Restrictions: None-they accept non-perishable, refrigerated, & frozen items
School Food Pantry Contact: Brooke Baker, Counseling Secretary (bbaker@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: Any quick and easy meal options for students (Ie: cereal, ramen noodles, easy mac, spaghetti sauce, noodles)
McKinley Middle School:
620 10th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-3:00PM
Drop off location: School Main Entrance
Donation Restrictions: None
School Food Pantry Contact: Mikaela Richardson, Counselor (mirichardson@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: cereal, pasta, bread, meat, milk, pasta sauce, fresh fruit, jelly, pancake mix, pancake syrup, diced tomatoes, muffin mix, cornbread mix, Hamburger Helper, applesauce
Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy
300 13th St NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-2:00pm. Thursdays and Fridays are preferred as our food pantry is open to students on Friday afternoons. Please call 319-558-2153 x63017 to arrange delivery a few days in advance or with any questions
Drop off location: Our food pantry is located on the lower level of our building. Deliveries can be made on the north side of the building and can be directly taken into the food pantry.
Donation Restrictions: None
School Food Pantry Contact: Laurie Lindeman, Secretary (llindeman@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high-need items: fruits, vegetables, meat, and pastas
Wilson Middle School
2301 J Street Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
Drop off hours: We are here Monday through Friday 7am-3:30pm can make arrangements on weekends if needed.
Drop off location: Main office
Donation Restrictions: Non-perishable goods only.
School Food Pantry Contact: LuAnne Moody, Secretary (lmoody@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high-need items: canned beans, peanut butter, canned tuna, chicken, and whole grains like pasta and brown rice, cereal, oatmeal and granola bars canned vegetables and fruits, cereal, soups, stews, and basic cooking supplies like oil and spices.
ELEMENTARY PANTRY LOCATIONS:
Cedar River Academy: 720 7th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM.
Drop off location: Main Office
Donation Restrictions: No
School Food Pantry Contact: Liz Callahan, Magnet Coordinator (lcallahan@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: Meat, bread, and eggs
Hiawatha Elementary:
603 Emmons St, Hiawatha, IA 52233
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM.
Drop off location: Main Office
Donation Restrictions: No refrigerated, frozen, or homemade food
School Food Pantry Contact: Angel Baker, Engagement Specialist (anbaker@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: Toiletries
Hoover Elementary:
4141 Johnson Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM.
Drop off location: Main Office
Donation Restrictions: No
School Food Pantry Contact: Minouche Bandubuila, Community School Coordinator, (mbandubuila@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: Rice, vegetables, and culturally relevant foods such as Fufu, Cassava leaves, and oil palm can be found at any African store
Van Buren Elementary: 2525 29th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Drop off hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM or by appointment with Mrs. Evans if after-school hours are needed.
Drop off location: At the front desk
Donation Restrictions: No frozen items accepted at this time- they do accept refrigerated & non-perishable food items
School Food Pantry Contact: Zach Shoulders, Van Buren Engagement Specialist (zshoulders@crschools.us)
Special Requests or high need items: N/A
If your child’s school doesn’t have a school food pantry, or you need additional resources, please visit https://www.hacap.org/findfood to find community food pantries near you.