New initiative provides critical infrastructure support to new food pantries in rural Iowa working to address food insecurity in their communities
The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and Iowa Select Farms are proud to announce the launch of Freeze Out Hunger, a new program designed to support new food pantries in rural Iowa by providing freezers to help establish the infrastructure needed to expand food access in their communities. The first freezer through the program was delivered to the Humeston-Garden Grove Food Pantry in Garden Grove, Iowa.
Freeze Out Hunger is a new sister program to the Foundation’s flagship Haul Out Hunger initiative, which delivers ground pork to food pantries each summer. While Haul Out Hunger helps provide a consistent source of protein to communities across Iowa, Freeze Out Hunger focuses on equipping new food pantries with the resources necessary to safely store and distribute a wider variety of nutritious foods. Freezer capacity allows food pantries to accept and provide perishable items, including proteins, breads, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and other frozen foods.
“New food pantries are often created because communities recognize a need, but establishing the infrastructure to serve families effectively can be a significant challenge,” Laura Noehren, Foundation program manager for the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, said. “Through Freeze Out Hunger, we are helping new food pantries in rural Iowa communities build a strong foundation from the beginning. A freezer may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but it provides an important resource that allows pantries to offer more nutritious food options and better serve their neighbors.”
The Humeston-Garden Grove Food Pantry officially opened its doors in March 2026 and is already serving 70 families each month. Operated entirely through donations, the pantry relies on community support to meet the significant needs of the families it serves.
“The addition of this new freezer is a game changer for our operations. It allows us to safely store and distribute high-quality food, ensuring that the families we serve have access to nutritious meals,” Amy Peplinski, chairperson of the Humeston-Garden Grove Food Pantry, said. “This donation provides a critical foundation for our infrastructure, allowing us to expand our capacity for frozen food. The impact of this equipment on our ability to combat food insecurity in our community cannot be overstated.”
The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is committed to supporting communities across Iowa by investing in programs that strengthen food security and improve access to nutritious food. Through Freeze Out Hunger, the Foundation will continue partnering with new food pantries in rural Iowa to help them build the capacity needed to serve their Homegrown Iowa communities for years to come.
Headline: Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation Celebrates Community and Hometown Heroes at RAGBRAI
The Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation was proud to be part of the excitement as thousands of RAGBRAI riders rolled through Exira during this year’s ride across Iowa. As riders pedaled through one of the state’s most iconic events, our team had the opportunity to connect with cyclists, volunteers, and community members while celebrating those who serve our communities every day.
In honor of Thin Line Appreciation Day, Foundation staff distributed more than 6,500 pork sticks to help fuel riders along their journey. The team also handed out 67 My Veteran Hero hats to Iowa veterans, along with hundreds of “Supporting Hometown Heroes” slap koozies recognizing military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders.
“RAGBRAI celebrates Iowa’s communities and the people who make them strong,” Laura Noehren, Foundation program manager, said. “We were honored to meet so many incredible riders and residents while recognizing the veterans and first responders who dedicate themselves to serving others.”
Throughout the day, the Foundation’s booth served as a gathering place where riders could grab a snack, learn more about Foundation programs, and take a moment to celebrate Iowa’s hometown heroes. The event reflected the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Iowa communities and recognizing those who make them better places to live and work.
The Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation extends its sincere thanks to everyone who stopped by throughout the day. We are grateful to have been part of another memorable RAGBRAI experience and look forward to continuing to support Iowa’s communities—and the hometown heroes who serve them—for years to come.
