Last Friday, the longest government shutdown in US history finally came to an end. But there are still some lasting impacts for the DMARC Food Pantry Network. As a result of the shutdown, the USDA directed states to send out February's SNAP benefits early, no later than January 20. In Iowa, February's SNAP benefits were distributed on January 17. DMARC will likely see less food pantry use at the end of January, as SNAP participants have benefits to spend on groceries. However, as we move later in to February, we expect more people will turn to the DMARC Food Pantry Network as their benefits run out. The month of February is historically our ...

Next week, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry will visit four new mobile pantry partner locations throughout Greater Des Moines. Times and locations for the new DMARC Mobile Food Pantry sites are as follows: Beginning Monday, January 21, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry will visit Park View Village, 1900 SE 28th Street, Grimes, IA 50111, every first and third Monday of the month from 4-6pm. Beginning Tuesday, January 22, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry will visit Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Parish, 1271 E 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316, every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 4-6pm. Beginning Wednesday, January 23, the DMARC Mobile ...