The Kossuth County Food Pantry celebrated its 40th anniversary with a significant fundraising event, the “Stuff the Trailer,” which raised over $54,258.74. This amount was presented to Food Pantry Director Jan Ricke by event coordinator Bernie Merrill. The funds will help ensure that no resident in Kossuth County goes hungry.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Nash of St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona first envisioned the Food Pantry in 1984. He enlisted the support of community members like Art Nash and Dale Doughan to bring the idea to fruition. Since its inception, the Pantry has moved several times, all within Algona, reflecting its growth and the increasing need for food assistance.
Initially, the Food Pantry opened in the basement of the St. Cecelia Rectory in 1985. It quickly relocated to the Kossuth County Courthouse, before moving to a site at 25 1⁄2 E. State Street, a location that was short-lived. As it continued to expand its reach, the Pantry found itself at 616 Diagonal Street under the leadership of Doughan and Barbara Fox, followed by Sandy Parcel, who took over shortly thereafter.
The Food Pantry’s next move brought it to 1125 Highway 18 East, where Richard Reising and Doris Mueller served as co-chairpersons. By 2007, they were still involved, though documentation from that period is sparse. The Pantry eventually moved to an old creamery building at 109 N. Lantry, where it shared space with the Kossuth County C.A.R.E. Team.
In 2019, both the C.A.R.E. Team and the Food Pantry required more space, prompting the Pantry’s relocation to its current address at 1426 E. Commercial Street. Erby Shipler, who directed the Pantry during its time at the creamery, facilitated this transition before passing the reins to Henry Ricke in 2020. After five years, Jan Ricke succeeded her husband as director in 2025.
Community engagement remains vital to the Food Pantry’s success. On November 14, Bishop Garrigan students actively participated in unloading three trailers of food donations after the recent fundraising event. This ongoing support from local organizations and individuals is crucial in the Pantry’s mission to alleviate hunger in Kossuth County.
As the Kossuth County Food Pantry looks to the future, its commitment to serving the community remains steadfast. With a history rich in collaboration and support, it continues to adapt and grow, ensuring that all residents have access to essential food resources.
