Hunger impacts more Iowa families than most of us realize, particularly in rural communities, where the nearest grocery store may be a 20-minute drive away.

In the northeast Iowa town of Riceville, population 800 residents, a new Little Free Pantry sits out front of the library.

The Little Free Pantry, donated by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, is designed as a 24-7 supplement to the community’s food pantry if a local family has an immediate need for food or household supplies, explains Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms.

“You never know when a family is going to find themselves in an emergency situation. Maybe they are out of a job or their car has broken down. We’re just...