New director begins serving at the Allamakee County Food Shelf
New director at Allamakee County Food Shelf ... Deliverance Hope, the new director of the Allamakee County Food Shelf, is pictured above standing in front of the Food Shelf location at 1125 West Main Street in Waukon. While the mission of the Food Shelf will remain as “...assisting families facing food insecurity...”, Hope has already implemented such changes as a new Facebook page and new accessibility measures via phone and email, with plans to possibly expand distribution days in the near future. Submitted photo.
submitted by The Allamakee County Food Shelf
The Allamakee County Food Shelf is entering a new chapter as it welcomes its new director, Deliverance Hope.
While every new beginning brings change, the mission of the Allamakee County Food Shelf remains the same: assisting individuals and families facing food insecurity by providing temporary food support to help alleviate hunger and hardship.
The Allamakee County Food Shelf has long been a place where individuals and families throughout Allamakee County can find a helping hand during difficult times. Whether someone is experiencing a temporary setback or facing an ongoing challenge, the Food Shelf strives to provide nutritious food in a welcoming and respectful environment.
“I believe every person deserves to be treated with kindness and compassion,” said Hope. “Sometimes all any of us need is someone willing to walk beside us for a little while. My hope is that everyone who comes to the Food Shelf feels welcomed, respected, and cared for.”
Hope brings many years of experience in operations management, community relations, customer service, event coordination, purchasing, inventory control, budgeting, staff supervision and public communications. Her background has also included food service management, volunteer coordination, community outreach and organizing projects and events from beginning to completion. She holds current ServSafe Manager and Food Handler certifications.
Having experienced many different seasons of life herself, Hope understands that difficult circumstances can affect people from every background. She said the opportunity to serve as director aligns closely with her ministry and lifelong desire to reach out to others with encouragement, practical assistance and hope.
“For many years, the heart of my ministry and my work has been reaching out to people and reminding them that they are not forgotten,” Hope said. “Serving at the Food Shelf allows me to continue that mission in a very practical way by helping meet an immediate need while treating each individual with dignity and compassion.”
In addition to her management and community-service experience, Hope is an author, writer, songwriter, photographer and publisher. She has written books, songs, articles, scripts and inspirational materials and has experience in publishing, graphic design, photography, advertising, website management and public relations. She believes those skills can help increase awareness of the Food Shelf, communicate important information and strengthen connections between the organization and the community.
As director, Hope looks forward to strengthening community partnerships, expanding awareness of available resources, increasing volunteer involvement, and continuing to build relationships with local businesses, churches, civic organizations, schools, and community members.
The Food Shelf has also launched a new Facebook page where residents can stay informed about distribution dates, special announcements, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and other important updates. Community members are encouraged to follow the new Facebook page at: The Allamakee County Food Shelf.
The Food Shelf currently serves the community each Thursday from 9 a.m. until 12 Noon through drive-up distribution. Volunteers bring groceries directly to each vehicle, making the process convenient and accessible.
As of July 1 of this year, households are eligible to receive food once per calendar month. This policy helps the Food Shelf continue serving as many individuals and families as possible throughout the county.
The Food Shelf is planning to expand its open hours by adding two afternoons per month beginning in September. The specific dates and times will be posted on the new Facebook page after responses from the July client surveys have been reviewed.
The Food Shelf has also established a new phone number. Those with questions, concerns or an interest in arranging donations, food drives or drop-offs may call 563-568-8715.
Community members interested in volunteering, making financial contributions, organizing food drives or learning more about available services are encouraged to reach out.
Located at 1125 West Main Street in Waukon, the mailing address for the Allamakee County Food Shelf is P.O. Box 251, Waukon, IA 52172. The Food Shelf can also be reached by email at acfoodshelf@outlook.com.
