Buccaneers Impact Needy Families At Community Food Pantry

Bidwell Pantry provides food, clothing and basic essentials to Central Iowa families in need. Part of a nonprofit organization called Families Forward, the pantry is dedicated to reducing the strain families experience in trying to put food on the table.

On Tuesday, the Des Moines Buccaneers paid a visit to Bidwell Pantry to lend a helping hand. Players helped stock and reorganize food shelves and assisted in cleaning up the lawn.

Open Monday through Friday, the pantry allows families to select their own items or have a volunteer to pick for them. Everyone is welcome regardless of where they live, and families aren’t required to provide financial information.

In July 2023, Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill merged into Families Forward, which consists of a child development center, a shelter and home connection program in addition to the food pantry.

The time the team spent helping at the Bidwell pantry not only benefited the families that were impacted, but gave players the opportunity to get a firsthand view of how they can make a difference in their community, even if for a brief time.

Last weekend, Des Moines suffered a 6-5 overtime loss to Cedar Rapids on Friday, followed by a 2-1 victory on Saturday against the RoughRiders, also in OT.

The Bucs are 21-29-4-0, good for 46 points and seventh place in the USHL Western Conference. They will travel to Dubuque to take on the Fighting Saints on Friday. Puck drop is set for 7:05 Pm CT.