Our Mission
North Liberty Community Pantry engages
our community in feeding, clothing, and connecting
our neighbors to resources and services.
Our Vision:
A community that is food and clothing secure.
Our Values:
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Dignity
We treat our neighbors with respect, compassion, and without judgment.
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Self-Determination
We support our neighbors’ ability to choose what best meets their needs.
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Collaboration
We partner with volunteers, donors, and community organizations to strengthen our collective impact.
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Freedom from Hunger
We believe access to food is a basic human right. No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from.
Our Story
The Pantry was created as an outreach ministry of First United Methodist Church in 1985 as a response to requests from families in need in our community. Until 2004, the Pantry was a small project that served 15 to 20 families each month. In response to a growing community and growing need, the Pantry was expanded in 2004, but that was just the start.
As North Liberty continued to grow, the Pantry felt it was necessary to increase capacity. In 2013, the Pantry opened the doors to a new permanent facility, with more space to better serve families and expand operations.
In 2015, the Growing Together Garden broke ground and changed the way our community learns about growing food, the need for fresh, nutritious choices at food pantries and opened volunteer opportunities for neighbors with knowledge in gardening. The Growing Together Garden was the catalyst for healthy eating education as a focus at NLCP.
In 2021, we opened the North Liberty Community Closet, the first-ever free clothing resource of its kind in Johnson County. The need for new socks and underwear was proven persistent throughout the year so adding this service in the Community Closet was an obvious choice.
The Pantry has seen rapid growth as a result of three factors: increasing awareness of the Pantry, increasing population growth in North Liberty, and increasing economic need. In 2024 alone, the Pantry distributed 610,537 meals and 51,851 clothing items to 1,082 families. Pantry volunteers also made 2,191 grocery deliveries to families with transportation barriers.
In June 2025, the Pantry opened its new 10,500 sq. ft. building at 350 W. Penn to better meet the needs of neighbors. The new space has food and clothing under the same roof, and better accommodations for families, volunteers, and staff.
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