Concerned DeWitt Citizens LTD

The DeWitt Referral Center was established in 1974 to provide a thrift store and offer clothing and food assistance to families within the Central DeWitt Community School District. For more than 50 years, the Center has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community. Today, the organization provides essential resources and crisis assistance to residents experiencing financial hardship, unexpected expenses, or life-changing challenges.

Mission Statement

The DeWitt Referral Center provides emergency assistance, food, and referral services to residents of the Central DeWitt Community School District of Clinton County and operates a thrift store and donation center open to the public.

The Referral Center maintains a strong and essential partnership with the River Bend Food Bank, which allows the organization to purchase pantry food at reduced cost and receive monthly distribution through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal program that provides USDA food to local food pantries.

DeWitt Referral Center 2025

In 2025 the DeWitt Referral Center served 2,722 families, representing 8,115 individuals across the community through pantry services alone. Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing needs. Through its food pantry and supplemental programs, the Center distributed 1,543 food boxes, along with 2,685 bread sacks and 2,602 cereal sacks, helping ensure families had access to basic nutrition. In addition, 817 gallons of milk were provided to families and school children to help meet an important nutritional need. We distributed personal hygiene products to 5,578 individuals in addition to diapers, wipes, and formula to 605 families. Also, distributed 145 holiday food boxes and 350 Thanksgiving meals to families in the community.

Between 2024 and 2025, the DeWitt Referral Center Pantry experienced continued growth in the demand for emergency food assistance services. The number of food boxes distributed along with increases in the distribution of bread sacks, cereal sacks, and milk increased. These increases reflect the ongoing need for food support within the community and the Center’s continued commitment to ensuring families have access to basic nutrition.

2024 Food Pantry Assistance

• 1,485  food boxes distributed 
• 2,428  bread sacks distributed 
• 2,360  cereal sacks distributed 
• 776  gallons of milk provided 
• 2,501  families served 
• 7,679  individuals assisted

We continue to see nearly a 10% increase in food insecurity in our area each year, alongside rising food costs. Your support strengthens food pantry operations, guaranteeing reliable access to nutritious food for families whose grocery budgets fall short. 

During the first three months of 2026 we served 556 families equating to 1,656 individuals.  The need for food assistance continues to grow.

For more than five decades, the DeWitt Referral Center has remained a trusted community safety net—ensuring that when families in our community face hardship, they are supported and not facing those challenges alone.

The Referral Center is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Proceeds from donations will go directly to our Food Pantry Plant The Seed Endowment. Any gift over $50 will be eligible for the Endow Iowa Credit.  Any gift over $10 counts for Great Give Day - just not the Endow Iowa credit.