FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Congregational United Church of Christ Announces Opening of Community Family Pantry to Serve Dubuque Area Families
Dubuque, IA — First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 255 W 10th Street in downtown Dubuque, is pleased to announce the opening of the Community Family Pantry, beginning March 2, 2026, in response to the closure of the Dubuque Community Schools Food Pantry and Clothes Closet previously located at the NICC downtown campus.
Recognizing the critical importance of this resource for children and families in the Dubuque community, First Congregational United Church of Christ took swift action to ensure continued access to food, clothing and basic necessities. With the recent completion of the church’s three-year building renovation project, the congregation is now better equipped to expand the use of its facilities and further assist the community in meaningful and practical ways. Located just a few blocks from the former pantry site, the church felt both called and positioned to meet this ongoing community need.
The Community Family Pantry will serve families in Dubuque and the surrounding communities. Participation is not limited to families with children enrolled in the Dubuque Community School District; families from other school districts and those who homeschool are also welcome.
The pantry will be open:
First Congregational United Church of Christ is a faith community rooted in service, hospitality, and justice, and remains committed to serving the Dubuque community with compassion, collaboration, and generosity by meeting the needs of its neighbors and strengthening community partnerships throughout the Dubuque area.
Media Contact: Nikki Ketchum, Church Business Manager at 563-582-3648 or [email protected]
Dubuque, IA — First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 255 W 10th Street in downtown Dubuque, is pleased to announce the opening of the Community Family Pantry, beginning March 2, 2026, in response to the closure of the Dubuque Community Schools Food Pantry and Clothes Closet previously located at the NICC downtown campus.
Recognizing the critical importance of this resource for children and families in the Dubuque community, First Congregational United Church of Christ took swift action to ensure continued access to food, clothing and basic necessities. With the recent completion of the church’s three-year building renovation project, the congregation is now better equipped to expand the use of its facilities and further assist the community in meaningful and practical ways. Located just a few blocks from the former pantry site, the church felt both called and positioned to meet this ongoing community need.
The Community Family Pantry will serve families in Dubuque and the surrounding communities. Participation is not limited to families with children enrolled in the Dubuque Community School District; families from other school districts and those who homeschool are also welcome.
The pantry will be open:
- Mondays from 2:00–4:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
First Congregational United Church of Christ is a faith community rooted in service, hospitality, and justice, and remains committed to serving the Dubuque community with compassion, collaboration, and generosity by meeting the needs of its neighbors and strengthening community partnerships throughout the Dubuque area.
Media Contact: Nikki Ketchum, Church Business Manager at 563-582-3648 or [email protected]
volunteer with us
Thank you for your interest in serving with our Community Family Pantry! As we prepare for the pantry to open, we are excited to begin building our team of dedicated volunteers.
We will be holding our first volunteer training in early March. This brief training will help you feel prepared and confident in your role. After completing the training, you will be able to sign up for available pantry shifts once we officially open.
If you or your organization would like to volunteer with the Community Family Pantry, we would love to hear from you! We welcome individuals, families, and community groups of all kinds to be part of this vital ministry as we work together to support our neighbors with care and compassion. Click the button below to fill out your contact information and get connected.
We are truly grateful for your willingness to share your time and talents. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors.
We will be holding our first volunteer training in early March. This brief training will help you feel prepared and confident in your role. After completing the training, you will be able to sign up for available pantry shifts once we officially open.
If you or your organization would like to volunteer with the Community Family Pantry, we would love to hear from you! We welcome individuals, families, and community groups of all kinds to be part of this vital ministry as we work together to support our neighbors with care and compassion. Click the button below to fill out your contact information and get connected.
We are truly grateful for your willingness to share your time and talents. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors.
donate to the pantry
Monetary donations help us meet urgent needs quickly and provide items our guests may not be able to access otherwise. Your financial support allows the Community Family Pantry to purchase essential supplies such as food, hygiene products, and special items like lice treatment kits when needed. Every gift—large or small—helps us respond with compassion, dignity, and care to the real needs of families in our community.
To make a financial gift, please click the green Donate button below—please note that all donations are dedicated for Community Family Pantry use only.
Sample of Donations Accepted:
In addition to financial gifts, we gratefully accept specific item donations. These include:
We will also be posting a monthly Wishlist soon, which will be regularly updated with our most current needs. This will be a helpful way to see specific items that are in high demand.
If you would like to donate items to the pantry, please email Mary by clicking the button below to set up a time for one of our Mission Team volunteers to meet with you.
To make a financial gift, please click the green Donate button below—please note that all donations are dedicated for Community Family Pantry use only.
Sample of Donations Accepted:
In addition to financial gifts, we gratefully accept specific item donations. These include:
- Non-perishable and perishable food items
- Gently used and freshly laundered clothing
- New hygiene products such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, and lice treatment kits
- Household items including new cleaning supplies, garbage bags, and laundry pods
We will also be posting a monthly Wishlist soon, which will be regularly updated with our most current needs. This will be a helpful way to see specific items that are in high demand.
If you would like to donate items to the pantry, please email Mary by clicking the button below to set up a time for one of our Mission Team volunteers to meet with you.
