What does Iowa Nice look like when it’s more than politeness—when it’s organized, intentional, and ready to show up? In this episode, Meghann Foster talks with Jennifer Banta, President and CEO of United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, about the real work of caring for a community. From supporting 29 partner agencies to mobilizing volunteers, donors, and local leaders across a twenty-city region, Jennifer shares how collaboration—not charity alone—creates lasting impact.

They discuss what it means to be a true safety net, how communities respond when disaster strikes, and why improving lives requires more than good intentions—it takes coordination, trust, and people willing to work together.

This is Iowa Nice in action: neighbors helping neighbors, systems built with care, and a reminder that kindness is strongest when it’s united.

Learn more about United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties.

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On this episode of Make Iowa Nice, host Meghann Foster sits down with the leaders behind one of the community’s most powerful engines of kindness: the Coralville Community Food Pantry. Executive Director John Boller and Community Projects Coordinator Hai Huynh share how their work turns “Iowa Nice” from a slogan into something you can actually hold in your hands — food on the table, community support, and dignity for families across Coralville.

John and Hai talk about the real challenges neighbors face, the innovative programs the pantry runs, and why food security is foundational to a strong, connected community. It’s a look at Iowa Nice beyond the friendly wave — the kind that shows up, organizes, and makes sure no one is left behind.

Learn more, give, and get involved at ⁠https://www.coralvillefoodpantry.org/ ⁠

Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro and Welcome – Setting up the conversation

(01:19) Guests Introduction – John Boller and Hai Huynh

(01:33) History of the Coralville Food Pantry

(03:08) Challenges Faced This Year – SNAP benefits, policy hurdles, and food insecurity

(06:08) Healthy Kids Iowa Program – Logistical challenges and impact on children

(12:27) Barriers and Infrastructure – Community partnerships and statewide implications

(16:17) Supporting Nonprofits – Overburdened volunteers and resources

(17:49) Community Meals – Origins, goals, and building connections

(23:07) Preparing Meals – Menu planning and cultural diversity

(31:02) Global and Cultural Meals – Community engagement through food

(33:12) Foraging Programs and Summer Initiatives – Expanding services beyond food distribution

(35:38) Mobile Clinics and Social Services – One-stop support for families

(40:18) How to Help – Volunteering, donations, and advocacy

(42:42) Iowa Nice in Practice – Respect, trust, and supporting the community

(47:04) Grocery-Style Pantry Model – Choice and member experience

(48:17) Favorite Volunteer Moments – Personal reflections and impact

(48:42) Closing Remarks – Gratitude and continued support

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Happy Thanksgiving! On this week’s “mini” episode, Meghann shares her thoughts on the importance of finding moments of joy and gratitude during difficult times. We'll be back with new episodes soon. Take care, everyone!

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For more than 50 years, the Neighborhood Centers have been at the heart of Iowa City—creating spaces where children learn, families grow stronger, and neighbors connect. What began in the early 1970s as a grassroots effort to support families has grown into a vital network of programs that respond to the unique needs of the community.

From early childhood education and after-school programs, to youth leadership, family support, and neighborhood outreach, the Centers focus on solutions shaped by the people they serve. In a world that often feels divided, they show what’s possible when we listen, connect, and lift one another up.

In this episode, we dive into the history of this remarkable organization and hear directly from the people making it all happen. Joining us are Executive Director RR and Assistant Director RaQuishia Harrington.

Want to Be Iowa Nice?

Watch the documentary on their website and donate to support this important work.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Make Iowa Nice and our community spotlight

00:45 How the Neighborhood Centers began — connecting neighbors in Iowa City

02:30 Early childhood education and supporting families

04:30 Programs that meet people where they are

06:30 Building stronger families and fostering resilience

08:15 Partnering with local organizations to address community needs

10:00 From kids’ programs to adult services — serving all ages

12:30 A day in the life at the Neighborhood Centers

15:00 Helping neighbors with jobs, health, and basic needs

17:00 Creating spaces where people belong and connect

19:00 Stories of impact — families and children thriving

21:30 The power of volunteerism and giving back

23:00 Supporting mental health, social services, and community resources

25:00 When “Iowa Nice” shows up in everyday acts of care

27:00 Challenges and opportunities for neighborhood-based programs

29:00 How connections strengthen the broader community

31:00 Ways listeners can help — volunteering, donations, advocacy

32:30 Closing thoughts: Neighborhood Centers as hubs of Iowa Nice

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When people think about libraries, the first thing that comes to mind is access to informational resources. But the role of libraries is evolving. Today, libraries aren’t just about checking out books or other forms of media. Libraries are becoming an important part of the social safety net in our communities. More people are using libraries to connect with crucial services such as access to food, housing supports, mental health resources, and much more. Many libraries are responding by partnering with non-profits and other organizations. Some libraries have begun employing social workers to address these needs.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at what libraries mean for our communities and how they build connection and opportunity. We’re also going to talk about ways you can get involved and support your local library. Because when we protect our libraries, we’re not just defending shelves of books. We’re standing up for the shared belief that everyone deserves access to information and resources, and everyone deserves a place to belong.

Our guests for this episode are Ellen Alexander, Associate Director of the Coralville Public Library, and Samira Abdalla, Community Resource Navigator for the Coralville Public Library.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Make Iowa Nice and our library lovefest

00:45 Why public libraries are magical spaces for everyone

02:30 Meet Ellen and Samira from the Coralville Public Library

04:30 How libraries have evolved beyond books

07:15 Partnering with the Coralville Food Pantry to feed hungry kids

09:30 From snacks to social work — libraries as community hubs

10:30 Samira’s story and what it means to give back to her community

12:30 A day in the life of a community resource navigator

15:00 Helping neighbors with jobs, immigration, and healthcare

17:00 Building connection through Chat and Chai

19:00 How a simple cup of chai builds trust and belonging

21:00 The power of placemaking and why community matters

23:30 Harm reduction, vending machines, and real-world help

26:30 When “Iowa Nice” meets book bans and censorship

29:30 Why access to stories can save lives

32:00 Parenting, choice, and the freedom to read

33:30 Protecting everyone’s right to belong and be heard

35:00 How to help — food pantry donations and volunteering

36:30 The library as Iowa’s nicest place

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Make Iowa Nice Again with Meghann Foster is a podcast about rebuilding communities through care and compassion. As a local leader, Meghann has seen both the power of community to heal and the harm caused by Iowa’s current—and sometimes past—cultural climate. Each episode lifts up the organizations, leaders, and everyday Iowans who are working to create the future we deserve.

Through stories of resilience and possibility, this show reminds us that community care is the key to thriving—not just surviving. If you’re ready to imagine a brighter Iowa and roll up your sleeves to help make it happen, this podcast is for you.

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