Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
FY26 Free Lunch App
Free Lunch Program - FY26-FY27 Joint Funding ApplicationCommunity Impact Funding FY26-FY27 - Joint Application Application Status: Submitted Application Submission Details Executive Director: Laura Hunter I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge: Yes Submission Confirmation Email Sent To: icfreelunch@gmail.com Submitted By: Laura Hunter on 10/15/2024 at 4:57 PM (CST) Free Lunch Program FY26-FY27 Joint Funding Application General Information Agency Name Free Lunch Program Executive Director Name Laura Hunter Board President Name Robert Ferguson Littlehale Requestor Name Laura Hunter Requestor Phone (319) 337-6283 Requestor Email icfreelunch@gmail.com Agency Mission Statement and Description of Community Need Your agency's mission statement will automatically populate from your profile. You can leave it as is or update it below. The Description of Community Need is also available in your agency profile, but it will not auto-fill. You may copy and paste it from your profile or write a new statement below Agency Mission Statement Respecting the dignity of the guests has been the cornerstone of our service. "An open door, a full plate, no questions asked." This guiding principle of unconditional respect and hospitality is the mission of the Free Lunch program. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 1 of 28 Community Need: What specific need in the community is your agency addressing? Describe the extent of the need, including current local data with source information and the major factors in the community contributing to the need. The Free Lunch Program addresses the critical issue of food insecurity in Johnson County, where the rising cost of living has left many households struggling to afford basic necessities. Food insecurity continues to climb nationwide, with 47.4 million people (1 in 7 households) experiencing hunger, according to the USDA’s 2023 Household Food Security Report. This represents a significant increase of 3.2 million people from the previous year. According to the USDA Food & Nutrition Service, the Consumer Price Index for food rose by 25% between 2019 and 2023, outpacing overall inflation, while rent prices grew by an average of 8%. As a result, many families in our community are allocating an increasingly large share of their income to food—11.2% in 2023—leaving little for other essential expenses. Locally, the need for services has surged due to economic pressures, primarily driven by rising food costs. As of mid-November 2023, Iowa was among the states experiencing the highest food price increases, with a 6.4% rise. Statewide, nearly 11% of Iowans (1 in 9) and 15.4% of Iowa children (1 in 6) face food insecurity, with 40% of households falling below the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) threshold of 160% of the poverty level. Locally, Johnson County Social Services reports that 8.2% of county residents are food insecure, though Feeding America’s latest report suggests this number could be as high as 10.1%, with 65% of those households below the SNAP eligibility threshold. This escalating need is clearly reflected in our own meal service numbers. In Fiscal Year 2022, we served 30,177 meals, a number which increased dramatically to 40,224 meals in Fiscal Year 2024. This growth of over 10,000 meals in just two years underscores the crucial and expanding role the Free Lunch Program plays in combating food insecurity in our community during these challenging economic times. What makes these numbers real are comments from our guests. One shared, "If I didn't eat at Free Lunch everyday and take leftovers back with me, i [sic] would not be able to pay my rent and I'd be homeless again. I like being able to sit down with others in a cafe-like environment. You don't know how this affects everyone's spirits to have this for us-- it really helps us a lot." Another guest wrote that the Free Lunch Program, "literally saved my sanity. I was living on peanut butter & crackers and tacos for 2$ [sic] when I was given the resources available. I sought out your help. Wonderful, kind, [illegible] personal that makes me so thankful and proud of God's work you are doing... This gives me strength and hope to carry on due to the compassion and help. Thank you." United Way JWC Impact Areas Please select the United Way JWC Impact Areas that your agency's services support. Note that these areas have been recently updated. Hover over each option to see a description and examples of relevant programming for each impact area. Healthy Community Youth Opportunity Community Resiliency Financial Security 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 2 of 28 City of Iowa City - City Steps Priority Areas If you are applying for City of Iowa City funding, please indicate the City of Iowa City - City Steps Priority Areas that your agency services support: Services to the homeless or those at risk of homelessness Childcare Transportation Health/Mental Health Services Youth Activities and Programming Elderly activities and programming Assistance for persons with disabilities Food Pantries Services for victims of domestic violence Services for immigrants and refugees Utility Assistance Financial literacy and credit repair programs Other - Please Specify Below If you selected 'Other' as a City of Iowa City - City Steps Priority Area, please specify: Johnson County Priority Areas Please indicate the Johnson County Priority Areas that your agency services support: Basic Human Needs 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 3 of 28 Child and Family Wellbeing Health/Mental Health Grant Narratives - Funder Requests Please complete the narratives below for each funder from whom you are requesting funding. If you are not requesting funding from one of the five listed funders, please enter 'N/A' in the corresponding field. You can find eligibility details and contact information for each funding entity by hovering over the questions below. 1. United Way JWC Funding Narrative: Tell us about your services to Johnson and/or Washington County and how United Way priorities are represented in your operation. If your agency serves a larger regional area, please provide the percent of overall clients that are Johnson or Washington County residents. If your request is program specific, please provide the percentage of Johnson and Washington County clients for that program. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 4 of 28 The Free Lunch Program (FLP) serves Johnson County residents by addressing key priorities set forth by the United Way, with a primary focus on creating a Healthy Community and contributing to Financial Security for those in need. Our services ensure that individuals and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals in a safe, welcoming environment. By providing healthy, balanced meals, we directly support the goal of building a healthy community, as proper nutrition is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being and fighting hunger and malnutrition, that latter two being closely linked to chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Many of our guests, particularly those experiencing homelessness or living in poverty, face significant barriers to accessing consistent, healthy meals. Therefore, we are deliberate that each lunch we serve offers at least 1 protein serving (with a vegetarian option available), 1 grain serving, 2 fruits/vegetable servings (often more and usually fresh), 1 dairy serving, and 1 enjoyable dessert (see pictures in Supporting Document 3). We rarely have leftovers because we offer the guests the option of taking home containers of food to eat later (or for friends or family who could not come to our facility during serving hours). One guest shared that our program, “literally saved my sanity. I was living on peanut butter & crackers and tacos for 2$ [sic] when I was given the resources available.” By offering free, nutritious food without any eligibility requirements, we remove those barriers and ensure that vulnerable populations can maintain better health and resilience, which aligns with the United Way’s Healthy Community priority. While demographic information is valuable to better understand the population we serve, one guest commented on how important our no-questions-asked policy was for her, "I appreciate not having to show documentation to receive a meal. It's a blessing." In addition to improving health, FLP also contributes to Financial Security by alleviating one of the most significant financial burdens for low-income individuals and families—food costs. Feeding America’s latest report suggests the number of Johnson County residents facing food insecurity is as high as 10.1%, with 65% of those households below the SNAP eligibility threshold. Our consistently healthy lunches help our guests stretch their limited resources without sacrificing nutrition, allowing them to allocate more of their income toward other essentials like rent, utilities, healthcare, and transportation. This support enables families to achieve a higher degree of stability, reducing the risk of homelessness and financial hardship. One guest asserted, "If I didn't eat at Free Lunch everyday and take leftovers back with me, i would not be able to pay my rent and I'd be homeless again. I like being able to sit down with others in a cafe-like environment. You don't know how this affects everyone's spirits to have this for us-- it really helps us a lot." Through our focus on both health and financial well-being, we align with United Way's efforts to create a more secure, supportive, and resilient community for all. 2. Johnson County Funding Narrative: Johnson County prioritizes funding for organizations addressing basic needs, improving child and family wellbeing and/or health outcomes for Johnson County residents. Tell us about your services that address any or all of the County priority areas. If your agency serves a larger regional area, please provide the percent of overall clients that are Johnson County residents. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 5 of 28 The Free Lunch Program plays a vital role in addressing needs of Johnson County residents, particularly in the areas of food security, family/child well-being, and health outcomes. Our collaboration with Table to Table, Grow Johnson County Farm, Field to Family, HACAP and other local hunger-relief organizations ensures that we can offer fresh, nutritious food six days a week, further supporting our guests' health and well-being. Many of our guests, particularly those experiencing homelessness or living in poverty, face significant barriers to accessing consistent, healthy meals. Thus, each lunch is deliberately planned to include at least 1 protein serving (with a vegetarian option), 1 grain serving, 2 fruits/vegetable servings (often more, usually fresh), 1 dairy serving, and 1 enjoyable dessert (see pictures in Supporting Document 3). We rarely have leftovers because we offer guests the option of taking containers of food to eat later (or for friends/family who cannot come to our facility during serving hours). A guest said, “I was living on peanut butter & crackers and tacos for 2$ [sic] when I was given the resources available.” By offering free, nutritious food without any eligibility requirements, we remove barriers for vulnerable populations, allowing guests to focus on other critical aspects of their lives, such as housing, employment, and healthcare. One guest shared, "If I didn't eat at Free Lunch everyday and take leftovers back with me, i would not be able to pay my rent and I'd be homeless again." By providing healthy meals, we help mitigate these risks and promote better long-term health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Our program also contributes to the well-being of children and families in Johnson County. Many families who struggle to afford groceries rely on our meals to supplement their food supply for their children with consistent, healthy meals. We also reduce barriers for families who may not feel safe accessing food assistance programs for their families. Our services are used by children and families: some school-aged guests come with their parents during their school hours, and some parents come in to bring a nutritious meal home for school-aged children with our take-home option. Further, for the purpose of this application, a director collected unofficial visual random samplings and noted that more school-aged children and women come in on Saturdays and during the summers. By addressing this basic need, we help improve family stability and reduce stress, contributing to better overall well-being. Our services also have a direct impact on the health/mental health outcomes of Johnson County residents. Consistent access to nutritious meals is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health, especially for individuals living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. Malnutrition and poor diets are often linked to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. The FLP offers a unique gathering place for many who would otherwise be vulnerable to isolation. Guests describe how the FLP has helped to support their mental health, "I like being able to sit down with others in a cafe-like environment. You don't know how this affects everyone's spirits to have this for us-- it really helps us a lot." Another commented that he has come to the FLP " for years because I have my friends here.... I pick up several friends from Coralville every day I come." This sense of community and connection fostered by FLP can be a lifeline for individuals living alone, facing mental health challenges or experiencing homelessness. By offering a welcoming space to share meals and conversation, the FLP helps reduce the isolation and loneliness that often exacerbate mental health issues, creating a supportive environment that promotes emotional well-being. 3. City of Iowa City Funding Narrative: Tell us about your services to Iowa City and how the City Steps Priorities are represented in your operation. If the agency serves a regional area, please provide % of overall clients that are Iowa City residents, if your request is program specific, please provide % of Iowa City clients for that program. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 6 of 28 The Free Lunch Program provides free, nutritious meals six days a week to individuals and families facing food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness in Iowa City. While we do not track the exact percentage of guests who are Iowa City residents, most come from within the city, as our central location makes us easily accessible. Many guests use our services to help them transition to Iowa City; one said, "When I first came to Iowa City, going to Free Lunch really gave me a positive boost to help me get settled in this community." Our no-questions-asked policy also reduces barriers to receiving meals, with one guest saying, "I appreciate not having to show documentation to receive a meal. It's a blessing." Through partnerships with local organizations like Shelter House, CommUnity, and Table to Table, we enhance the social safety net and provide a coordinated response to address critical needs that align with Iowa City’s broader social service. Our operations directly support align closely with several City Steps Priority areas. All of our guests face homelessness or housing instability, so we directly improve the quality of life for these vulnerable populations by addressing food insecurity. One guest shared, "If I didn't eat at Free Lunch everyday and take leftovers back with me, i would not be able to pay my rent and I'd be homeless again.” FLP alleviates financial strain, allowing low-income residents to allocate limited resources to housing, healthcare, or other essential needs. FLP is also a vital resource, supporting elderly activities and programming. Many guests are elderly, who see FLP as not just a place for meals but also a vital cost-free social hub for friendship and community. Also, most of our serving teams consist of retired Iowa City community members who find purpose, friendships, and fulfillment at FLP. One of these shared, "Volunteering at Free Lunch is great! It is my way of giving back to the city, and it is an honor to help the people and the community. Thank you!" FLP creates an intergenerational space where both elderly guests and volunteers can engage with the community, stay active, and build meaningful relationships. FLP offers important service for immigrants and refugees. (For this application, a director collected unofficial random samples, showing >30% of our guests speak English as a foreign language.) Facing language barriers, lack of documentation, or other challenges, these guests may struggle to access resources. Our lunches accommodate diverse religious/cultural dietary needs and eating windows. Our inclusive environment also allows caseworkers and experienced guests to assist these vulnerable populations in transitioning to Iowa City. FLP positively impacts the health/mental health outcomes of vulnerable Iowa City residents. Consistent nutritious meals are critical for those facing poverty and homelessness, as poor diets can lead to other serious chronic health conditions. Further, FLP also offers a unique gathering place; guests who would otherwise be vulnerable to isolation, particularly the elderly and individuals experiencing homelessness, can share meals and conversation. One guest explained how FLP helped support their mental health: "I like being able to sit down with others in a cafe-like environment. You don't know how this affects everyone's spirits to have this for us--it really helps us a lot." Finally, FLP’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement echoes the city’s goals of fostering a more equitable and connected community. By ensuring that all individuals—regardless of background, age, or economic status—have access to nutritious meals in a welcoming environment, we help bridge social gaps, create a sense of belonging, and contribute to a healthier, more connected community. Our partnerships with local organizations and diverse volunteer base further strengthen this mission, as we work to unify Iowa City and support its most vulnerable populations. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 7 of 28 4. City of Coralville Funding Narrative: How do your services specifically address needs in Coralville? If your agency serves a regional area, please provide the percentage of overall clients that are Coralville residents. If your request is program specific, please provide the percentage of Coralville clients for that program. The Free Lunch Program (FLP) serves individuals from across Johnson County, including many from Coralville, by providing nutritious lunches to anyone in need, without paperwork, barriers or restrictions. One guest highlighted the value of this no-questions-asked policy, stating, "I appreciate not having to show documentation to receive a meal. It's a blessing." Although we do not track the percentage of our guests from Coralville, conversations with guests and partners indicate that many travel from Coralville to access our services. For example, one guest remarked, "I've been coming here from Coralville for years because I have my friends here. The food is better than at other places. I pick up several friends from Coralville every day I come." The services that FLP provides are especially important because food insecurity is not limited to specific neighborhoods, with many Coralville residents facing the same challenges with hunger, poverty, and housing instability as those in Iowa City and, therefore, seek assistance from programs located in Iowa City. Our Iowa City location allows us to meet the needs of neighboring Coralville residents efficiently, without duplicating services or increasing costs by establishing a separate program. With established infrastructure, partnerships with local food suppliers, and dedicated volunteers, we meet regional needs, providing high-quality support to all, including Coralville residents. Further, while other agencies provide emergency food assistance, shelters, or food pantries, FLP fills a unique gap by offering immediate, barrier-free nutritionally dense lunches (with take-home options available) six days a week. Our guests, particularly those experiencing homelessness or living in poverty, face significant barriers to accessing consistent, healthy meals. Each lunch deliberately includes at least 1 protein serving (with a vegetarian option), 1 grain serving, 2 fruit/vegetable servings (often more, usually fresh), 1 dairy serving, and 1 enjoyable dessert (see pictures in Supporting Document 3). We rarely have leftovers because we offer the guests the option of taking home containers of food to eat later (or for friends or family who cannot come to our facility during serving hours). One guest shared that our program, “literally saved my sanity. I was living on peanut butter & crackers and tacos for 2$ [sic] when I was given the resources available.” Our free, nutritious food, offered without any eligibility requirements, removes potential barriers to services for vulnerable populations. As we help reduce food insecurity, our guests can focus on other critical aspects of their lives, such as housing, employment, and healthcare. By providing healthy meals, we help mitigate these risks and promote better long-term health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The FLP offers a unique gathering place for many who would otherwise be vulnerable to isolation, like our guest mentioned above who comes daily from Coralville. This sense of community and connection fostered by FLP can also be a lifeline for those facing mental health challenges or individuals experiencing homelessness. FLP’s welcoming space to share meals and conversation helps reduce the isolation and loneliness that often exacerbate mental health issues, creating a supportive environment that promotes emotional well-being. One guest have described how the FLP has helped to support their mental health, "I like being able to sit down with others in a cafe-like environment. You don't know how this affects everyone's spirits to have this for us-- it really helps us a lot." 5. North Liberty Funding Narrative: How will this program/project benefit the community of North Liberty? What percentage of the program/project benefits North Liberty residents, and approximately how many North Liberty residents will you be serving with this program/project? Grant Narratives - Additional Agency Information 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 8 of 28 All agencies applying for funding from any of the listed entities must complete the following questions. If a question does not apply to your organization, please provide an explanation. 6. Provide a succinct, specific description of your primary target populations(s). Describe clients as a group in terms of their primary needs and strengths. What barriers to success do they face? If your agency serves a regional area, please provide % of overall clients that are Johnson County residents. The primary target population of the Free Lunch Program consists of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty in Johnson County, particularly from Iowa City and Coralville. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds, including low-income workers, seniors, single mothers, veterans, people facing housing instability, as well as individuals with disabilities, addictions, and mental health challenges. Many of our guests live paycheck-to-paycheck, struggle to afford basic necessities, and often have to make difficult choices between paying for food, rent, healthcare, and other essentials. Some are navigating the challenges of unemployment, mental health issues, or addiction, while others are simply in need of a helping hand during tough times. Most of our guests are racial or ethnic minorities; for the purpose of this application, a director collected several unofficial random samplings of guests with over 60% of our guests being persons of colors, and >30% of our guests speaking English as a foreign language. The primary needs of our guests include consistent access to nutritious meals, a safe and welcoming space for social interaction, and support in addressing broader issues related to housing, employment, and healthcare. One of the strengths of the community we serve is their resilience and resourcefulness. Despite their circumstances, many of our guests actively seek ways to improve their situations, whether through part- time work, pursuing educational opportunities, or accessing social services. They are also incredibly appreciative of the support they receive and often express gratitude for the compassion and dignity shown to them at the Free Lunch Program. However, significant barriers to success remain. Many of our guests face systemic obstacles, such as a lack of affordable housing and disconnection from needed mental health and addiction services. Additionally, social stigma and isolation can further compound their difficulties, making it harder for them to seek assistance or feel part of the broader community. The Free Lunch Program helps mitigate these barriers by offering not only meals but also a sense of community, hope, and connection. By addressing immediate food insecurity, we help our guests take steps toward overcoming the broader challenges they face. 7. Please explain how your agency promotes racial equity and inclusivity for historically oppressed and marginalized populations (including BIPOC, LGBTQ, immigrants/refugees, individuals with disabilities) through your services, for your clients and for staff. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 9 of 28 The Free Lunch Program is deeply committed to promoting racial equity and inclusivity for historically oppressed and marginalized populations, including BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and individuals with disabilities. At the core of our mission is the principle that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. We believe that access to food is a fundamental right, and we strive to create a space where every guest feels welcome, valued, and safe. For our clients, we ensure that our services are accessible and inclusive by offering meals with no questions asked. We do not require proof of income, immigration status, or any other documentation that could serve as a barrier to accessing food. This approach is especially important for immigrant and refugee populations, as well as for those who may feel uncomfortable or unsafe with navigating traditional social service systems, particularly with completing the paperwork that might be required. We also recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity in food offerings, incorporating a variety of menu options to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and needs (e.g., vegetarian, pork-free, etc). Further, to-go meals are given for individuals whose religious/cultural beliefs might restrict guests from eating during the time we serve meals. Our organization actively promotes inclusivity within our volunteer teams and staff as well. We embrace diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized communities, to join us as volunteers and staff members. Through training and education, we work to raise awareness among our team about the specific challenges faced by many of our marginalized guests, and we emphasize the importance of empathy in our interactions with clients. Additionally, we make efforts to partner with organizations that serve marginalized populations, ensuring that our work aligns with broader community efforts to promote equity and inclusivity. In every aspect of our work, from meal service to volunteer coordination, we are guided by a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or immigration status—feels respected and empowered. By addressing both the immediate need for food and the deeper, systemic inequities that affect our clients, the FLP aims to be a model of inclusivity and support for all. 8. Please describe how your Agency is collaborating with other service providers in the community to reduce costs, increase efficiency or improve services for community members. How are you addressing duplication of services or how are you serving a unique unmet need? 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 10 of 28 FLP collaborates closely with community service providers and participates in the Johnson County Local Homeless Coordinating Board, United Way Partner meetings, Agency Impact Council, and HACAP Partner meetings. Our key partners in hunger relief include Table to Table, HACAP, Field to Family, Grow Johnson County Farm, Salvation Army, Shelter House, and Catholic Worker House. For broader services, we work with Shelter House, CommUnity Crisis Services, Johnson County Public Health, DVIP, Catholic Worker House, and Immigrant Welcome Network. By working together, we enhance our collective ability to address challenges facing vulnerable populations, ensuring that our efforts are complementary and avoid unnecessary duplication. Detailed descriptions of the nature of those collaborations follow. A key collaboration is with Table to Table, which collects surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, and farms, redistributing it to programs like ours. Their food donations allow us to serve fresh, healthy meals to our guests at a lower cost, making our operations more efficient while supporting sustainability efforts. FLP partners with HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) to enhance service delivery and lower expenses. HACAP addresses food insecurity, housing, and health, and through this collaboration, we align services to better support the community. Their food distribution assistance helps us stretch our budget, providing consistent, nutritious meals. By coordinating with HACAP, we avoid service duplication and create a more efficient service network for those in need. Field to Family implements the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, channeling federal dollars to support local farmers and food networks. FLP uses this partnership weekly to source beef from Tier I Iowa farmers. Grow Johnson County Farm uses grant dollars and donations to sustainably grow thousands of pounds of vegetables each season. Our deliveries (May through November) are incorporated into lunches, providing essential vitamins and nutrients. FLP coordinates with Salvation Army, Shelter House, and Catholic Worker House to share meal service, surplus food/resources, thereby avoiding duplicating services. Shelter House is a particularly close partner; we provide meeting spaces for their caseworkers and clients and provide space for regular outreach work. When inclement weather makes walking to FLP impossible for Shelter House residents, we deliver meals when we are able. We also collaborate with Johnson County Public Health for outreach services like HIV testing and harm reduction education at FLP. CommUnity, which owns our facility, is a key partner in connecting guests with resources. We frequently refer guests to their Basic Needs program or direct them to the Food Bank. FLP also provides kitchen space and volunteers for CommUnity’s bulk food repacking sessions, expanding the reach of their Food Bank services. DVIP, Catholic Worker House, and Immigrant Welcome Network are additional resources that FLP engages with to support our guests as needed. We maintain relationships with these agencies, offering guests information about their services. In terms of addressing duplication of services, FLP addresses a critical unmet need by offering prepared lunches with no registration or proof of need required. While other agencies provide emergency food assistance, shelters, or food pantries, FLP fills a unique gap by offering immediate, barrier-free lunches six days a week. This ensures that individuals who may not qualify for or feel comfortable accessing other services have a reliable source of food. By focusing on providing ready-to-eat lunches (with option to take home meals for later use) in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment, we complement other service providers without duplicating services. These collaborations maximize our impact and streamline services to better meet community needs. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 11 of 28 9. What costs are required of clients for services provided? Describe your fee structure and services available for those without ability to pay. There are no costs charged to our guests. 10. Describe how local funding received by your organization helped leverage other revenue in the last fiscal year. Identify and include specific grant/funding sources and amounts that were awarded that require a match. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 12 of 28 Local funding has been instrumental in helping the Free Lunch Program (FLP) not only sustain its operations but also leverage additional resources and in-kind donations, significantly expanding our impact. In FY22, the hours of both FLP directors (Director of Kitchen and Volunteers and Director of Administration) were increased to 25 hours/week. This 47% increase in payroll costs – made possible by the investment of United Way, Johnson County, and the City of Iowa City -- has been leveraged to increase our revenue through additional funding, as well low-cost/no-cost food/supplies and volunteer hours. One of the most effective ways we've leveraged our funding to expand our spending power is through new or stronger partnerships with low- or no-cost food providers. The market cost of FLP ingredients procured by the program, by conservative estimate, would be $90,950 in an average year. The actual program spending on Free Lunch ingredients procured by the program in FY24 was $6,787.40, which shows that our work and our strong collaborations multiply each dollar we receive by a factor of twelve. In the last three years, FLP’s Director of Kitchen and Volunteers has added partnerships with Grow Johnson County Farm and Field to Family (Local Food Purchasing Assistance program). She has also enhanced our collaboration with HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) Food Reservoir and Table to Table. The funding for staff hours to work with organizations like these reduces our reliance on direct food purchasing while allowing us to serve high-quality meals. We also leverage funding by maintaining and seeking out new partnerships with 30+ community teams from Iowa City and Coralville, as well as other communities in and around Johnson County (see Supporting Document 3). Each team consists of between 8-20 members who plan and prepare lunches, thereby increasing the quality and diversity of the menu, which typically has 2+ protein sources, 2 servings of fruits and vegetables, and dairy (see pictures in Supporting Document 3). This unique model directly reduces our food costs, allowing us to leverage the funds we receive to access approximately $71,380 worth of food supplied as in-kind donations by Free Lunch Program teams. Some teams also provide guests other resources (clothing, shoes, hygiene supplies). Members of these teams – as well many unaffiliated volunteers who come in several times each month – also contribute significant volunteer hours to serve the meals and clean up after meals. The Director of Kitchen and Volunteers leverages funds to directly coordinate and lead a massive resource of nearly 900 volunteers, helping us maintain a lean operational model: in FY24, we conservatively managed over 12,480 volunteer hours, which at the current Value of Volunteer Time by State (Iowa=$28.88) equates to over $350,000 in leveraged funds. The responsibility of the Director of Administration includes maintaining/tracking budgets and payroll for FLP, a significant responsibility on its own for a part-time position. Thus, the additional hours (made possible by the investment of United Way, Johnson County, and the City of Iowa City) were leveraged by the former and current co-directors to acquire additional external revenue through fundraising and community relationship building. Specifically, we have been able to devote time towards online outreach through social media, better storytelling, tabling events, relationship building with local businesses/organizations, community events, researching/applying for new grants, and more. In FY24, FLP leveraged these additional hours to build better relationships with current private donors, as well as seek out and receive funding from foundations including (but not limited to) Walmart, Alliant Energy Foundation, Scheels, and Farm Credit Services of America. The result of the local funding was a 73.9% increased funding sources (from private/public donors) between FY23 and FY24. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 13 of 28 Form A: FY26-FY27 Funding RequestsFree Lunch Program Form A: FY26-FY27 Funding Requests Please complete this section by including your agency's projected budget for the entire funding cycle, covering FY26 and FY27, along with the total amounts you are requesting from each funder for that period. Saving Your Work You can save your progress at any time by clicking on the "Save My Work” link/icon located at both the bottom and top of the page. Submitting the Form Once you have answered all questions in the form, select the "Save My Work and Mark as Completed” link/icon at the bottom or top of this page to finalize your submission. Switching Forms You may switch between forms within this application by using the SWITCH FORMS feature in the upper right corner. Any updates made to the current form will be automatically saved when you switch to a different form. Agency Budget Please enter your estimated total agency budget for the fiscal years FY26 and FY27. This should reflect the overall projected budget for your agency during this granting cycle. Agency Budget FY26 FY27 Agency Budget 146,162.00 149,817.00 Funding Requests Please enter your FY26 funding request for each funding entity. The amount will automatically populate the FY27 column, as all funders in this application roll over the annual request to duplicate in the following year. The percentage of the total budget will auto-populate for each fiscal year and funder. You can find funding eligibility details and contact information for each funding entity by hovering over the funder name below. FY26 Funding Request FY26 % of Total Budget FY27 Funding Request FY27 % of Total Budget United Way JWC 8,500.00 5.82 8,500.00 5.67 Johnson County 8,500.00 5.82 8,500.00 5.67 City of Iowa City 25,000.00 17.10 25,000.00 16.69 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 14 of 28 FY26 Funding Request FY26 % of Total Budget FY27 Funding Request FY27 % of Total Budget City of Coralville 2,500.00 1.71 2,500.00 1.67 City of North Liberty 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 15 of 28 Form B1: FY26-FY27 Agency DemographicsFree Lunch Program Form B1: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographics Provide the total number of unique clients your agency served during the last fiscal year and a projected number you plan to serve during the current fiscal year. Please Note - you cannot submit the form with any blanks. If your agency does not have a client count for any of the categories, please enter "0" in that box. You may report the total number of unknown clients in the "Unknown" section for each demographic category. If your organization does not collect information for one or more of the categories, please include the total number of individuals served in the "Unknown" category and provide an explanation in Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographic - Additional Information for the corresponding category. Gender Please provide the unique number of individuals served who self-identified within each of the gender categories listed below. If your organization does not collect gender information, please report the total number of individuals served in the "Unknown" category and provide an explanation in Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographic - Additional Information. FY24 Projected FY25 Male 0 0 Female 0 0 Non-binary 0 0 Unknown Gender 100 100 Total 100 100 Race Please provide the unique number of individuals served who self-identified within each of the racial categories listed below. If your organization does not collect racial information, please report the total number of individuals served in the "Unknown" category and provide an explanation in Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographic - Additional Information. FY24 Projected FY25 Asian 0 0 African American 0 0 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 16 of 28 FY24 Projected FY25 American Indian or Alaska Native 0 0 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0 0 White 0 0 Multiple Races 0 0 Other Racial Identity 0 0 Unknown Racial Identity 100 100 Total 100 100 Ethnicity Please provide the unique number of individuals served who self-identified within each of the ethnicity categories listed below. If your organization does not collect ethnicity information, please report the total number of individuals served in the "Unknown" category and provide an explanation in Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographic - Additional Information. FY24 Projected FY25 Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin 0 0 Not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin 0 0 Unknown Ethnicity 100 100 Total 100 100 Age Please provide the unique number of individuals served who self-identified within each of the age categories listed below. If your organization does not collect age information, please report the total number of individuals served in the "Unknown" category and provide an explanation in Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographic - Additional Information. FY24 Projected FY25 0-5 0 0 6-17 0 0 18-29 0 0 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 17 of 28 FY24 Projected FY25 30-61 0 0 62-74 0 0 75+ Years 0 0 Unknown Age 100 100 Total 100 100 Geographic Location Please provide the unique number of individuals served who reside within each of the geographic locations listed below. If your organization does not collect information on place of residence, please report the total number of individuals served in the "Unknown" category and provide an explanation in Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographic - Additional Information. NOTE: For Johnson County data, please exclude individuals from the following municipalities: Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. To ensure unduplicated data, only include individuals from other Johnson County municipalities and rural areas. For Washington County, you may provide data at the whole county level. FY24 Projected FY25 Johnson County (Combined, Unduplicated) 0 0 Iowa City 0 0 Coralville 0 0 North Liberty 0 0 Washington County 0 0 Unknown Geographic Location 100 100 Total 100 100 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 18 of 28 Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographics - Additional InformationFree Lunch Program Form B2: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographics - Additional Information If you reported individuals served in the unknown category for any of the demographic categories in Form B1: FY26-FY27 Agency Demographics, please provide additional context in the corresponding section below. This may include an explanation of why your agency does not collect this information, or if there are other categories not listed in the provided options. If you did not report individuals served in the unknown category for any of the demographic categories, please indicate 'NA" in the sections below. You may save your work at any time by clicking on the "Save My Work" link/icon at the bottom or top of the page. When you have completed all questions on the form, select the "Save My Work and Mark as Completed" link/icon at the bottom or top of this page. You may also SWITCH between forms in this application by using the SWITCH FORMS feature in the upper right corner. When switching forms, any updates to the existing form will automatically be saved. Additional Information for Unknown Catergories 1. UNKNOWN GENDER If you reported any individuals in the unknown gender category, please provide additional context. FLP doesn't require guests to answer questions or complete paperwork to protect their privacy/dignity (including LGBTQ guests). This removes barriers that might prevent anyone from accessing our services because of fear of discrimination, misidentification, or stigma. For the purpose of this application, a director collected unofficial random samplings, with more men generally (mirroring the demographic data seen in Point-in-Time, PiT, Count), but increased women present on Saturdays/summers. 2. UNKNOWN RACE If you reported any individuals in the unknown race category, please provide additional context. FLP’s mission is to foster a non-invasive environment without barriers to accessing nutrition, so we do not formally collect race data. For the purpose of this application, a director collected several unofficial random samplings of guests, demonstrating that over 60% of our guests are persons of color. 3. UNKNOWN ETHNICITY If you reported any individuals in the unknown ethnicity category, please provide additional context. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 19 of 28 FLP does not gather ethnicity data to ensure an accessible space that focuses on meeting basic needs without generating fear of private information being disclosed. For this application, a director collected unofficial random samples, showing >30% of our guests are people who speak English as a foreign language. 4. UNKNOWN AGE: If you reported any individuals in the unknown age category, please provide additional context. FLP does not collect age data to maintain a non-invasive environment for all guests ensuring individuals of any age can access meals without fear of judgment or stigma. For the purpose of this application, a director collected unofficial visual random samplings: significant elderly guests daily (exact age estimations not possible); more school-aged children on Saturdays/summers. 5. UNKNOWN AREA MEDIAN INCOME If you reported any individuals in the unknown area median income category, please provide additional context. Personnel from HACAP performed a site visit in June 2022 to ascertain income qualification for TEFAP, and they used two indicators in lieu of asking guests to fill out forms. First, they noted, by nature of its location, FLP draws clientele living at <30% AMI; Shelter House permanent supportive housing is within walking distance. Second, they stayed for the meal and visually noted that a significant number of FLP guests were unhoused neighbors in the community. 6. UNKNOWN GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION If you reported any individuals in the unknown geographic location category, please provide additional context. We do not collect geographic data to protect guest privacy (e.g., new to the area, transient, unhoused, recently incarcerated). Many hesitate to share their location due to embarrassment or instability. We know most guests come from Johnson County, particularly Iowa City and Coralville. As the only consistent provider of lunch (6 days/week) in the county, funding FLP helps better support the needs of temporary/permanent residents across the county without needing to fund multiple locations. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 20 of 28 Form C: FY26-FY27 Agency BudgetFree Lunch Program FY26-FY27 Form C: FY26-FY27 Agency Budget Please complete all information. If there is an item that does not apply to your budget or the value is zero, please enter a "0" in that box. Do not leave an item blank. Some columns have auto-calculation but will not auto-calculate until the information is saved. Please save information often to activate the calculated fields. For items that require itemization, click the link to enter specific information in the itemization form. Budget Type Please enter a corresponding number to indicate your Budget type: 1 = Agency Level 2 = County Specific Budget Type 1.00 Revenues This includes all funding that your agency receives throughout the fiscal year for your operating expenses and planned restricted expenses. FY23 FY24 FY25 United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties Allocation 5,508.00 5,414.00 5,407.00 United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties Designations 8,825.00 4,979.00 2,414.60 Johnson County - Block Grant Funding 2,287.00 9,129.00 3,000.00 Johnson County Funding - Other Funding 0.00 0.00 0.00 City of Iowa City - Aid to Agencies Funding 24,331.00 15,200.00 15,129.00 City of Iowa City - Other Funding 0.00 0.00 0.00 City of Coralville Funding 0.00 0.00 0.00 City of North Liberty Funding 0.00 0.00 0.00 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 21 of 28 FY23 FY24 FY25 Community Foundation of Johnson County Funding 1,350.00 10,000.00 5,000.00 East Central Mental Health Region 0.00 0.00 0.00 Grants - Federal, State, Foundation 13,653.00 25,179.00 20,000.00 Fees for Services 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fundraising/Contributions/D onations 60,275.00 105,126.00 75,500.00 Interest and Investment Income 2,405.00 2,631.00 2,631.00 Annual Endowment Draw 0.00 0.00 1,350.00 Reserve or Carryover Funds 0.00 0.00 41,515.00 Other Revenue - Please Specify Source in Attachments 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total 118,634.00 177,658.00 171,946.60 Expenses FY23 FY24 Projected FY25 Personnel Expenses - Salaries & Benefits 83,470.00 87,128.00 89,742.00 All Other Operational Expenses 52,948.00 49,015.00 52,856.00 Other - Please Specify in Attachments 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total 136,418.00 136,143.00 142,598.00 Restricted Funds This category includes funds recorded in the revenues section that is restricted and was not paid out and included in the expense section. This may also involve funds set aside to meet required operating reserve thresholds or other designated reserve purposes. Please itemize all such restricted funds here. FY23 FY24 FY25 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 22 of 28 Restricted Funds - Please Itemize 0.00 0.00 6,842.00 Community Food & Farm 0.00 0.00 6,842.00 Total 0.00 0.00 6,842.00 Operational Budget FY23 FY24 FY25 Total Revenue 118,634.00 177,658.00 171,946.60 Total Expenses 136,418.00 136,143.00 142,598.00 Restricted Funds 0.00 0.00 6,842.00 Surplus/Deficit -17,784.00 41,515.00 22,506.60 Reserve Funds Enter all reserve balances below. If you have additional reserves not listed, please enter them in the 'Other Reserve' section and specify their purpose in the Attachments. FY23 FY24 FY25 Operating Reserve Balance 150,469.53 186,457.25 174,214.00 Other Reserve Balance - Please Specify Purpose in Attachments 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total 150,469.53 186,457.25 174,214.00 In-Kind Support FY23 FY24 FY25 Service and Volunteer Hours 12,480.00 12,480.00 12,480.00 Material Goods 71,380.00 71,380.00 71,380.00 Space, Utilities, etc.0.00 0.00 0.00 Other 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total 83,860.00 83,860.00 83,860.00 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 23 of 28 Form D: FY26-FY27 Agency Salaries & BenefitsFree Lunch Program Form D: FY26-FY27 Agency Salaries & Benefits Please provide information for the employees and volunteers in your organization. If a position is not listed, please add it in the "Other" section. You will need to add each position individually in the "Other" category. Average Salary: Enter the average salary for all staff in this position. Please note, this should not be the total salaries paid for all staff in this position. If only one staff member holds this position, enter that individual’s salary. Paid Leave, Health Insurance, Retirement: If the position offers any of these benefits, place a "1" in the corresponding column for each benefit received. FTE (Last Year, This Year, Next Year): Indicate the number of employees in this position for the periods noted. For part-time positions, you can use fractions (e.g., 0.25, 0.5) as needed. Employees Position Average Salary Paid Leave Health Insuranc e Retireme nt Plan FTE (Last Year) FTE (This Year) FTE (Next Year) Executive Director / President / CEO 38,350.0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.63 0.63 0.63 Director of Operations /COO 38,350.0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.63 0.63 0.63 Director of Development 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Business Manager/CFO 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Program Director / Manager 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Program/Services Coordinator 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Direct Services Worker 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Administrative/Clerical staff 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Other 3,820 0 0 0 0.08 0.08 0.08 Total 80,520 0 0 0 1.34 1.34 1.34 Volunteers Please indicate the number of volunteers active with your Agency. Last Year This Year 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 24 of 28 Volunteers 900 900 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 25 of 28 Services Provided:Food assistance (served or delivered meals, pantries, etc.) Outcome Statement: We served a total 30,177 in FY22, which has increased to 40,224 meals in Fiscal Year 2024–a clear demonstration of the increasing demand for our services and our ability to meet that demand over the last few years. We are proud that 100% of the meals served contained at least 2 servings of fruits and/or vegetables. Free Lunch Program - Form E: FY26-FY27 Performance Measures and OutcomesFree Lunch Program - Free Lunch Program Form E: FY26-FY27 Performance Measures and Outcomes Reporting Metrics: Common Indicators, Agency-Identified Indicators, and Service Delivery Narrative Applicants are required to report on the common outcomes associated with each service for which funding is requested. In addition to the common outcomes, you may also report metrics your agency has used in the past that are no longer part of the common list or select your own outcome metrics that best represent the services you provide. Examples might include: the number of individuals receiving nutrition education, the number of individuals receiving case management services, or the number of attendees at a youth summit. In the final section, you may provide any additional information you would like reviewers to know about your common outcomes or agency- identified outcomes. You will also submit a narrative about your previous service delivery, including any unexpected outcomes, successes, or challenges experienced over the past year. Common Provided Outcome Number of Services Provided Number of Services Provided FY25 Projected # of meals provided - pantry service or hot meals (For agencies that record pounds of food, please calculate the number of meals by dividing by 1.2). Number of Services Provided 45,000 Number of Individuals Number of Individuals Served Measurement FY25 Projected # of unique individuals or households receiving food assistance Number of Individuals Served 0 Agency Identified Outcome Agency Identified Outcome Explanation 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 26 of 28 Supplemental Information on Outcomes: The Free Lunch Program served 40,224 meals in FY24. Therefore, while the "Number of Individuals Served" is reported as zero, this is only because we do not track or require individuals to complete paperwork to receive a lunch. Our mission is rooted in providing low- barrier access to food. This approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can receive a meal without privacy concerns. While we do not track individuals, the growing number of meals served each year reflects the increasing demand and the wide impact of our services within the community. Please explain agency identified metrics. What is being measured and how is each metric an indicator of the expected outcome. How does the indicator show impact to those you serve? We track the meals that are served and the number/types of fruits and vegetables that are served with each meal. By providing free, nutritious, and low-barrier meals, we have ensured that people in our community who are living with food insecurity have access to a consistent source of nutrition and provide extra support to those who are living with poverty. Previous Service Delivery Narrative + Supplemental Information on Outcomes Indicator Narrative Question: Pervious Service Delivery Previous Service Delivery: Please provide a specific outcome/performance measure your organization achieved in the last grant cycle. How are people/conditions better because of the services you provided? Were there any unanticipated outcomes you’d like to share? 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 27 of 28 We served a total of 29,037 meals in FY21, 30,177 in FY22, 39,438 in FY23, and 40,224 meals in Fiscal Year 2024. In the last funding cycle, we proudly reported that 99.01% of our meals included at least two servings of fruits and/or vegetables, and we are pleased to announce that this metric has now increased to 100%. Every meal we serve now contains these essential nutritional components, underscoring our commitment to offering balanced and health-supporting options. Additionally, we have made significant strides in sourcing more fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Through partnerships with local farmers, food rescue organizations, and community farmers, we are not only enhancing the quality of the meals we provide but also supporting the local economy and promoting sustainable food practices. This introduction of some locally sourced produce/meat has allowed us to serve fresher, more nutrient-dense meals, ensuring our guests benefit from the highest quality food possible. The improvements in our meal offerings have provided numerous benefits to our guests. By ensuring that 100% of the meals served contain at least two servings of fruits and vegetables, we are promoting better overall health and nutrition among individuals who may have limited access to fresh, wholesome food. This focus on balanced meals helps address key nutritional deficiencies common among people facing food insecurity, contributing to better energy levels, immune function, and long-term health outcomes. Moreover, the increased use of fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables has added variety and quality to the meals we serve. Guests are now receiving fresher, more flavorful food, which not only supports physical health but also enhances their mealtime experience. We regularly welcome the enthusiasm our guests express at accepting the fruits and vegetables offered to them. The reliance on local produce also means that the food is seasonally appropriate and more sustainable, further benefiting both the guests and the broader community. By prioritizing nutritious and locally sourced meals, we are not just alleviating hunger, but also supporting the well-being of our guests in a meaningful and lasting way. This commitment ensures that those who come through our doors are nourished in both body and spirit, fostering a healthier, more resilient community. 10/16/2024 9:08 AM CST © 2024 e-CImpact page 28 of 28