Central Iowa food pantry network celebrates 45th anniversary
To mark the 45th year of its food pantry network, the Des Moines Area Religious Council is enlisting local grocery store shoppers in a weeklong food drive.
Shoppers at participating locations can donate to DMARC’s “Drive for 45” starting on Monday and running through Sunday, May 16. People can drop any non-perishable foods into the nonprofit’s red barrels, but the three most-needed items are whole-grain cereal, peanut butter and fruit canned in its own juice, said Luke Elzinga, DMARC’s communications and advocacy manager.
The barrels are placed at local Hy-Vee, Fareway and Price Chopper stores, as well as at the Gateway Market, Brick Street Market and Cash Saver. A few of the stores are looking for volunteers to host pop-up events throughout the next week, including:
- Fareway at 4313 Fleur Drive in Des Moines
- Fareway at 8450 Meredith Drive in Urbandale
- Fareway at 329 Grand Ave. in Des Moines
- Fareway at 10151 University Ave. in Clive
- Hy-Vee at 1107 E Army Post Road in Des Moines
Following a challenging year in which the pandemic worsened food insecurity across Iowa, DMARC hopes to restock its shelves while simultaneously celebrating its anniversary, according to a news release.
DMARC was founded in 1952. Its food pantry network was started in 1976 in the basement of Des Moines’ Central Presbyterian Church, and has grown to become the largest in the state, involving 14 partner pantries and more than 30 mobile pantries.
“I’m sure, 45 years ago, those who founded the Food Pantry Network never imagined it would be around today, let alone exist at the robust level it does,” DMARC CEO Matt Unger said in a statement.
DMARC feeds close to 60,000 people in Des Moines each year
Nearly five decades later, hunger persists. DMARC feeds about 60,000 people — roughly one-third of them are children — in the Des Moines metro each year.
“While it is disappointing to see where we are in defeating the causes of food insecurity after 45 years, it is also incredibly heartwarming to know our network’s growth has been enabled by amazing support and care from those across the greater Des Moines community,” Unger said.
More:Iowa food pantries weather COVID-19, face unprecedented storm coming this winter
Outside of food drives like next week’s “Drive for 45,” DMARC’s efforts to provide free, healthy food are driven by donations and volunteers from dozens of diverse faith communities, the release said. Additionally, the Food Bank of Iowa provides 20% of DMARC’s food supply.
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The interfaith organization’s main facility is at 1435 Mulberry St. in downtown Des Moines, but a lack of space means that “a move to a larger space is on the horizon,” its website says. The nonprofit currently uses 9,000 square feet of warehouse space and has a staff of 17 people.
Also next week, DMARC will host its third annual “Spring Greens” fundraiser on Thursday, May 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Windsor Heights’ Colby Park. Tickets can be purchased on DMARC’s website.
The outdoor event will include Caribbean food and musical entertainment and attendees will be required to follow safety precautions, such as wearing masks and social-distancing measures. Alternatively, participants can pick up their basket and watch a Facebook livestream of the event from home.
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Shelby Fleig covers Des Moines city government for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or 515-214-8933.
