BGM Schools hosting holiday food and Christmas outreaches

       BGM Schools has several outreaches underway to provide food and Christmas gifts to area families in need.
        The district has been working with the local food pantries along with the Grinnell Food Coalition to plan for emergency food resources due to the recent SNAP benefits shutdown.
BGM Mini Food Drive
         BGM is hosting a mini food drive through Friday, Nov. 21 to collect specific items to create “meal bags” for Brooklyn and Malcom food pantries to hand out.
       In addition, the school will hold its annual food drive between Thanksgiving and Christmas with all donations going to local food pantries.
           BGM will include a food voucher in their Backpack program to help families in need.
           The food drives are under the direction of iJAG, FCCLA, NHS and the BGM Student Council.
Food items needed
        Here's the list of items for the mini food drive now underway: Hamburger Helper, Hamburger, Tuna Helper. Cans of Tuna, Cans of Chicken, Pancake Mix, Pancake Syrup, Dried Soups, Macaroni and Cheese boxes and Box Potatoes.
Christmas Assistance Program
           Christmas is a joyful and exciting time for many children and families. However, it can also bring added stress, especially when financial resources are limited. Planning a happy holiday can be challenging if providing gifts and special meals feels out of reach.
         “We are very fortunate to live in a caring and generous community,” noted a district official. “Several local community members, organizations, and church groups are eager to support families in need during this Christmas season.
            If your family—or another BGM family you know—could benefit from this assistance, please complete the form below and return it to the BGM Elementary or High School office. You may place it in a sealed envelope labeled “Office.” All information will remain confidential and will only be shared with the office and
the individuals distributing the food and/or gifts.
          Families who sign up will need to pick up their items on Dec. 20 from 9 – 11 a.m. at Brooklyn Grace United Methodist Church.
            We hope to help make this Christmas season a merry and meaningful one for all BGM students and families. Please contact the school office if you have any questions. If you are fortunate enough that you do not need this assistance, please consider giving towards the Community Angel Giving Tree located at the First State Bank in Brooklyn.
             Forms must be returned to the school by Friday, Nov. 21. Submissions received after this date may not be accepted.
Donations needed
          Both food and monetary donations are being accepted during these outreaches. All food and cash donations will be split between the Brooklyn and Malcom food pantries.
Local food resources for all Poweshiek County residences

• Hy-Vee - meals nightly - Kids 12 & under - FREE -  Adults - $3

320 West Street St., Grinnell
Ph 641-236-6584

• Fareway/GFC/MICA - promotion of pre-made food bags to purchase for MICA

727 West St., Grinnell
Ph 641-236-3331

• Fareway does the food collecting and delivery

• Grinnell Farm to Table - Pay What You Can Market - Saturdays from 1-5 pm

1032 Main St., Grinnell
Ph 540-471-1647

• Empowerment Command Center - Free Hot Meals on Tuesday & Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 306 6th Ave., Grinnell

• BGM Backpack Program - discreetly put in lockers every Friday for students to take home for the weekend. Call BGM at 641-522-9268 to sign up

• GFC Food Vouchers - put in BGM Backpacks. They can be redeemed at Grinnell Grocery Stores. Also available through:
  • Grinnell Ministerial Association
  • All Local Food Pantries

• Community Meal in Brooklyn - 1st Thursday of each month 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • 12/4/25 - Presbyterian Church
  • 1/8/26 - Catholic Church
  • 2/5/26 - Methodist Church
  • March and April - Lenton Schedule
  • 5/7/26 - Methodist Church
  • Email [email protected] for more information
• Brooklyn Public Library  - non-perishable items available during open hours

            306 Jackson St., Brooklyn
            Ph 641-522-9272

• Drake Public Library - non-perishable items available during open hours

930 Park St., Grinnell
Ph 641-236-2661

• Montezuma Public Library - non-perishable items available during open hours

500 E Main St., Montezuma
Ph 641-623-3417

• Community Meal in Grinnell - Every Thursday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. 

Grinnell United Methodist Church
916 5th Ave., Grinnell
Email [email protected] for more information

• The Iowa Kitchen - Free Meals Every Saturday from Noon to 12:30 p.m.

Across from Grinnell Central Park
Email theiowakitchen.org for more information
Local Food Pantries:

• Brooklyn Food Pantry - Wednesdays 1 to 5 p.m. (next to Laudromat downtown Brooklyn)

130 W Front St., Brooklyn, IA
Ph 641-522-9283

• Malcom Food Pantry - Thursdays from 5 to 6:45 p.m.

405 Montezuma St., Malcom, IA
Ph 641-990-4300

• MICA Food Pantry - Every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

609 4th Ave., Grinnell
Ph 641-236-3923

• Montezuma Food Pantry - Service area is the Montezuma School District and other smaller surrounding towns in Poweshiek County

501 N. Front St., Montezuma
Ph 641-623-3275
Hours: Monday 10 a.m. to Noon

• Wednesday 2 to 4 p.m.
• Thursday 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• Friday 12:30 to 2 p.m.

 
ALL FOOD PANTRIES WILL PROVIDE EMERGENCY FOOD IF NEEDED.