Community support helps Dunlap food pantry recover from hailstorm
Jill Schaben, Dunlap Correspondent
The Dunlap Community Food Pantry has received new siding, windows and roof repairs following the spring 2026 hailstorm, with the project funded entirely by community donors and supporters. The improvements included removing an exhaust fan from the roof and patching the roof, according to Molly Franken, a representative of the pantry.
Despite the damage and construction, the pantry remained open throughout the repairs. “We often hear how Dunlap shows up for Dunlap, and this fundraising project is clear evidence it’s true,” Franken said.
Donations came in quickly after the pantry shared its needs, nearly reaching the fundraising goal within a week or two. Final expenses are still being tallied, but Franken said pantry representatives believe enough money has been raised to cover the repairs.
Franken credited Lisa Gross with helping rally support and connecting the pantry with people who could assist. “Lisa Gross was an amazing voice for this project,” Franken said. “She was not afraid to get on the horn and recruit help.”
Rick and Harold Melby handled the construction needs. Franken recognized their affordable pricing, along with Jason Heistand at Dunlap Lumber & Home Supply for providing generous pricing on materials.
The United Methodist Church of Dunlap owns the building where the pantry operates. Franken said that partnership helps the program avoid the burden of high rental costs and allows it to focus on serving the community.
Franken said challenges associated with the repairs did not interrupt food assistance. “Aside from limited parking at times and extra care to watch the leaky spots in the roof, the food pantry was able to continue to serve the community uninterrupted.”
The repairs help protect a program that has served the community since 2009. Franken said maintaining a climate-controlled, properly sealed building is important for food storage and the pantry’s continued operation. “Making the needed repairs to the building allows volunteers to continue to help alleviate the concern of food insecurity in our community,” she said.
From May through September, the pantry served an average of 27 families, representing 66 individuals, each month. Franken said demand increased when school resumed in August.
With the building repairs completed, the pantry continues to need volunteers and donations to support its daily work. Volunteers must be at least 18 and able to commit 1½ to three hours per month.
Recurring needs include frozen meat, eggs, laundry detergent, toilet paper, flour, sugar and ramen noodles. Soup is also welcome as colder weather approaches.
Franken said the response to the repair project demonstrated the community’s commitment to helping its neighbors. “It’s amazing to be a part of a community that constantly shows so much support and love to all the parts of this community to make sure we are all well taken care of,” she said. “We are very proud to be a part of the Dunlap community.”
