CRISIS ASSISTANCE & FOOD PANTRIES

FEELING OVERWHELMED TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET?

NEICAC operates a Crisis Assistance Program to assist eligible individuals and families with limited resources in need of help with:

  • Utilities disconnected or in jeopardy of disconnection
  • Past due rent or mortgage 
  • Emergency medical and/or dental services 
  • Costs to engage in Mental Health services  
  • Transportation
  • Vehicle Repairs

Eligibility for our Crisis Assistance program requires household income verification. Current eligibility guidelines are set at 200% or below of the Federal Poverty Level. Click here to review the current Federal Poverty Guideline income table being used for Crisis Assistance eligibility determination.

**While some costs may be covered under Federal funding sources, our Crisis Assistance program is largely funded by grants and donations. All Assistance identified above is dependent on available funding.  

IS YOUR FOOD BUDGET TIGHT?

We manage several food pantries, in partnership with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, making food and personal products available to area residents.

**This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Click here to learn more.

Food Storage and Consumption Safety

Do you know how long the meat in your freezer or canned goods in your pantry are good for? The various use of dates on packaged food items can cause confusion. Below are several reputable sources to guide practices related to food storage and consumption. Access these resources to learn more about guidelines for freezer storage and date descriptions used on food labels.

Food Safety and Inspection Service
Food Safety
FoodKeeper App

FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

Start a chat in the window on the bottom-right-corner of the screen and we’ll provide assistance based on determined eligibility.

Chat monitored hours are Monday and Wednesday 8:00am-4:30pm and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:00am-3:00pm. If you are trying to reach an agent outside of those hours, a case will be created, and we will reach out our next available business day.

If you haven’t received services through NEICAC since October 1st, please start by completing this online questionnaire.

LOOKING FOR
SOMETHING ELSE?

Visit the General Assistance page to learn about the burial assistance available to eligible households with low-income through the County General Assistance programs we operate.  

HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START

Visit the Head Start & Early Head Start page to learn about early childhood home visiting and free pre-school opportunities through NEICAC.

SET ON VISITING US IN PERSON?

Our Family Services Specialists wish to provide their undivided attention and confidential services to all who are applying for assistance or in need of food through our pantries. To support us in doing so, please schedule an appointment through our online booking engine here. Online scheduling is a simple and secure way to avoid the phone’s busy signal or being turned away upon arrival to an office without an available appointment.  

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

"Every organization in the community is important and we would like to say thank you for all you do."

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

"So kind (and funny), very down to earth, and relatable. I felt very comfortable, staff was very professional, yet personable. I cannot possibly thank NEICAC enough for all the help they have given us."

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

"These programs have been lifesavers for us while I've been out of work and we've been struggling."

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

"The generosity of Community Action could never have come at a better time. Thank you for caring!"

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

“The energy assistance program has been by far the easiest service to access that I have needed while I'm unemployed. Start to finish it's been zero hassle and a huge help during a really tough time. So helpful any time I've had a question.”

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

“Always extremely professional and friendly. Willing to help or point me in the right direction!”

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

“She made my concern her concern and was quick into action.”

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

“Understanding and so kind! Compassionate and professional!”

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

“Helped me when I asked for assistance and immediately made me feel better about my situation even though it was difficult to ask.”

HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR SERVICE

“I was very surprised by the services I was able to be helped with; while receiving extremely straight forward options with swift results with compassion, understanding, and zero judgement.”

Previous slide
Next slide