Food Assistance

Turn to Metro Catholic Outreach (MCO) when you need food assistance. MCO’s food pantry can help you and your family through the donations of 11 Catholic parishes in Cedar Rapids.

 

Using the MCO Food Pantry

img_1166Call or come into the MCO office (we prefer at least 24 hours in advance but are flexible) of the food basket distribution time. We will ask for your name, the number is household and phone number.

 

What are the Requirements?

If you have a food need, we want to help meet your need. For your privacy, we don’t require proof of income, identification, your social security number, or proof of residency.

 

How Do I Get My Food Basket?

The food pantry distributes food baskets every week. Take advantage of our convenient drive up to pick up your basket or if you prefer, you can walk in or come by bus – there are four bus stops within a four blocks radius of our building, and the ground transportation center is also nearby.
Teenagers Sorting Food into BasketsYou can pick up your food baskets on:

  • Tuesday from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday from 10 to 12 p.m.

 

MCO may adjust distribution dates around the holidays.

 

How Often Can I Get a Food Basket?

You are eligible for a basket as needed. We try to be flexble.

 

What’s in a Food Basket?

Your food basket will typically contain food items, based on availability, such as:

  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Canned meat
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Soup and SpaghettiOs
  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Box potatoes
  • Hamburger Helper
  • Rice
  • Pasta or noodles
  • Crackers or muffin mix
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Cake or cookie mix
  • Cereal
  • Milk
  • meat
  • produce

 

Questions? Contact MCO