Maquoketa Community Cupboard

Who We Serve
Families and individuals from all over Jackson County come to the Maquoketa Community Cupboard to select from available food
what they will need to feed themselves and their families. Many recipients are elderly people trying to survive on social security and perhaps a small pension. Others are people with disabilities in some way or are children living in families where both parents or a single parent work several part-time jobs to keep food on the table.
On average, we serve 135 families (374 individuals) weekly, and 540 families (1,496 individuals) monthly. The cost of this service is about $2.60 per person per week.
Every year, the Cupboard spends about $50,000 to purchase food items and needed supplies. Much of our food comes from St.
Stephen's Food Bank in Dubuque and is purchased at a fraction of its retail value (18 cents per pound or less) or is donated from the various Maquoketa food grocery stores, by clubs and organizations, or by individuals in the community. Some food supplies are purchased weekly at wholesale prices.

A New Space for the Cupboard
The Community Cupboard began in 1979 in the United Methodist Church, operating out of the church basement. In 2012, the Cupboard was offered space at the D.A.C. building on W. Platt Street. In both of these locations the Cupboard has carried on its ministry without having to pay rent or utilities. This has meant that almost every dollar given in contributions has gone for the purchase of much-needed food.

Recently the D.A.C. building sold to a new owner. Unfortunately, this means that even if the Cupboard chose to lease space in its current location, paying rent and utilities would mean a significant increase in operational costs every year. The option to rent was researched by looking at available buildings around town.
Based on that information, the decision was made to purchase a building versus renting space. This best
serves the needs of our community over the long term. Acting on this decision, Cupboard's Board decided to purchase
the former Movies America building on West Platt Street. This 4,000 square foot building more than meets the Cupboard's space needs and requires few updates
and improvements to make it fully usable.

It is the hope of the Cupboard Board, by establishing an endowment fund that the Cupboard would have a sustainable source of annual funding to cover utilities and other maintenance costs for years to come.

The Community Foundation of Jackson County, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, handles administration of this campaign.
Donor Recognition
Gifts to the Cupboard's Capital Fund and/or Endowment Campaign will be recognized in the newspaper, mailings, social media and on a large plaque displayed in the interior of the new building.

Donor levels
• Platinum Level: $10,000-$19,999
• Diamond Level: $20,000 and above
• Gold Level: $5,000-$9,999
• Silver Level: $2,000-4,999

Gifts of $50 or more to the endowment fund are eligible for the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit. Visit www.dbqfoundation.org/ EndowIowa to learn more.
Donations may be made as current year gifts, or pledges that are payable over a three-year commitment