Since the very beginning of our community giving efforts, we’ve witnessed first-hand how the littlest of gestures can provide big support to a family or child in need.
This is why the Iowa Select Farms employees living in and working near Afton, Iowa today unveiled the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation’s Little Free Pantry.
Located next up on the square near city park, the pantry provides 24/7 access for families and children facing short-term, emergency situations.
These pantries are designed to supplement existing hunger relief efforts by offering emergency resources like snacks, food, diapers and children’s care products.
Employees Julie Crouch, Jessica Rosener and T’Lee Girard will care for and stock the pantry, and many local leaders have also stepped forward to help keep watch on this special structure.
The Afton Little Free Pantry was built by Philip Jass—a talented furniture maker and wood craftsman from Alden, Iowa. He’s also the husband of Cassandra Jass, DVM and Director of Production Well-Being for Iowa Select Farms.
The pantry was painted by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen, The Freedom Rock artist. Bubba was commissioned by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation to handpaint the three sides with child-inspired images of farm animals, rural landscapes and community landmarks—all unique to Afton and Union County, and all in celebration of the connection between farming and strong communities.
This is the second Little Free Pantry introduced by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. Eight more are planned for the upcoming months.
P.S. Special thanks to employees Wes Mathany, Chris Franklin and James Hagen for the install—we love all of our employees for their amazing dedication and commitment to their communities, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and Iowa Select Farms.
