Dunlap Community Food Pantry seeks support for hail-damaged building
By Jill Schaben
For the Harrison County Times-Reporter
The Dunlap Community Food Pantry is asking for the community’s help to repair its building after an April hailstorm damaged the roof and siding earlier this year.
While the food pantry has remained open and continued serving area residents since the storm, the damage is creating concerns that extend beyond the building’s appearance. During heavy rains, water can enter the building, potentially putting the facility and the food stored inside at risk.
“Repairing the building helps us to continue to operate in a central location that is easy to access for our clients,” said Molly Franken, a representative of the Dunlap Community Food Pantry. “The damages are currently more than just an eyesore. When we get a heavy rain, we often end up with water in our building. Making these repairs can help ensure that our food donations stay viable, and we can continue to serve those in need.”
Insurance coverage for the storm damage was inadequate to cover the necessary work, leaving the food pantry responsible for raising approximately $15,000 to replace the roof and siding. If the funding beyond the base amount is received, the additional funding will be used for additional facility improvements.
Community member Lisa Gross has volunteered to assist the food pantry with the fundraising eQort. Organizers hope to raise the needed funds as quickly as possible so repairs can be completed before winter weather arrives. Funds must be raised before the repair work can move forward.
The Dunlap Community Food Pantry serves residents throughout the Boyer Valley School District. Over the past 12 months, the pantry has served an average of 29 households and 68 individuals each month. From August 2025 through July 2026, the organization served 817 individuals.
Franken said having a local food pantry provides an important resource that is not available in every rural community.
“My professional career puts me in the know of human services available in not only Harrison County, but all those that touch our county,” Franken said. “Dunlap is extremely fortunate to have a food pantry that serves our community. Many other communities can only access food once a month or might not have access to any pantry based on where they live.”
She added that helping alleviate food insecurity for residents of the Boyer Valley School District is something the community can take pride in.
“Donating to this cause allows anyone willing to be a part of the change for better in
Dunlap,” Franken said.
Those wishing to contribute to the building repair eQort can make checks payable to Dunlap Community Food Pantry and mail them to P.O. Box 43, Dunlap, IA, or drop donations oQ at Community Bank in Dunlap. A Venmo donation option is also expected to be available soon.
The food pantry relies heavily on both food and monetary donations for its ongoing operations. Donors who would like their contribution directed toward a particular need are encouraged to note their preference with their donation, such as “building repairs” or “food.”
With winter approaching, organizers hope the community will rally around the pantry so the roof and siding can be replaced, and the organization can continue providing a safe, accessible source of food assistance for families throughout the Boyer Valley area.
