Prairie Meadows Awards $25,000 Community Betterment Grant to DMARC Food Pantry Network
The Des Moines Area Religious Council has been awarded a $25,000 Community Betterment Grant by Prairie Meadows in support of its Food Pantry Network. The food pantry program ensures access to affordable, nutritious food, while relieving food insecurity and hunger for the most vulnerable individuals in Greater Des Moines, including children and youth, single-parent families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
DMARC development director, Kristine Frakes, said, “Spring and summer are seasons of high need for food assistance. We are very grateful for this Prairie Meadows grant that will help increase food access and provide the equivalent of over 33,000 meals for families in Polk County.”
Established in 1976, the Food Pantry Network provides short-term food assistance for families at times of urgent need. With 14 distribution sites, the Food Pantry Network is the largest food pantry system in Iowa. In 2012, the equivalent of 1.2 million meals was provided for more than 13,000 families, including 15,000 children and youth.