About Care and Share House

Care & Share House, Inc. is a volunteer based organization that provides free food and clothing to the people of Council Bluffs and surrounding communities.  Care and Share has NO paid staff.

A food pantry with a 4-5 day food supply is available to individuals or families at no cost. People requesting a food pantry are required to complete and sign an Iowa TEFAP form which includes name, address, and number of people in the household.  People are also asked to provide names and birthdates for everyone in the household, but assistance can be provided without birthdates.

Care and Share House receives a portion of our food from the USDA through the Emergency Food Assistance Program, also known as TEFAP.  No ID or additional information is required to receive TEFAP food(s) as long as you are under the monthly gross income limits or receive SNAP food benefits or children in the household receive free/reduced school lunch.

Care and Share will assist people with food every three to four weeks OR as needed in emergency or unique situations.

Care and Share House is a walk-in pantry with no appointment necessary.

The free store is also available at both locations to anyone during our open hours. Clothing, coats, and shoes for adults and children and household items are available at no cost. Shoppers are asked to take only what they need and can use.  Shopping is limited to two plastic grocery bags once a week. Again, exceptions may be made for certain situations of particular need.

Donations of food, clothing, and household items may be delivered to either location during our open hours and also at 600 South Main on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

If Council Bluffs Schools are closed due to bad weather, then Care and Share House locations will also be closed that day.

Please feel free to contact Care and Share House by calling either of the phone numbers during open hours or by emailing cgthien@cox.net.