Alta, IA

One of the issues that was regularly discussed in the Horizons program as it developed in Alta was the need to support and promote the local food pantry called The Lord’s Cupboard (an affiliate of the Iowa Food Network) - as a way to continue helping those who need food.

The City of Alta and Alta Municipal Utilities are presently sponsoring a food drive to serve the people in the community who need food assistance. A goal has been set to collect 2,000 pounds of food with the donations to go to the local food pantry, The Lord’s Cupboard.

It’s good to see business people within the community actively involved in promoting this food drive called, “No Hungry Neighbors.” Al and Angie Wadsley of Gull Wing Industries (a local Alta business) presented a check for $200 for the food drive.  On a side note, the Horizons funds designated  for Alta are unavailable to be used to buy food for the pantry, but in a show of community support and “leading the way,” the members of the Horizons Steering Committee, in their December meeting, pooled personal contributions in the amount of $100 towards this community project! Others continue to support this drive. Donations, as of this writing, currently total 2,590 pounds - already well past the set goal!

Each donation, whatever size it is, will play a part in helping Alta’s needy neighbors. It’s another sign that Alta is working together to respond to and reduce the needs of its neighbors!

Horizons is well under way in Alta. In the spring of 2007, discussion at several study circles raised the need to welcome newcomers to town and help them find what they need and are interested in. Alta Builds Connections (ABC) has been formed. An informational packet with community resource contacts (including school district, churches, medical, city services, etc.) has been put together and will soon be distributed to new residents, with members of ABC making visits to new residents.

At an August 28 visioning meeting, participants identified possible strategies for reducing poverty and its impact in Alta. At the next visioning meeting on October 8, priorities were set and action began in work groups.

The priorities were the Alta Builds Connections group, a focus on expanding affordable housing, expanding access to health care, promoting existing businesses as well as bringing new and establishing a community resource center.

Through the Horizons program, it has been agreed that Alta has strengths to build upon - a strong school system with caring staff, a strong faith community, a foundation of volunteerism, access to recreational opportunities and visionary people within the community.