3 results for month: 08/2021

Staff Spotlight: Monica Curl

Get to know DMARC Development & Outreach Associate Monica Curl! What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then? Just out of college I chose to become an AmeriCorps VISTA and as a VISTA I worked with three different organizations and DMARC was one of them. As a VISTA I completed in person interviews with people using the food pantries. I was impressed that DMARC was asking questions about what the pantry clients would like in a pantry and that they also worked to provide healthy food. I turned down another career path and when looking of a volunteer opening I saw an open position and decided to "return" to DMARC. I am still ...

Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah Engbretson

This month we're shining a spotlight on DMARC volunteer Sarah Engbretson, who serves on multiple DMARC committees and helps engage young professionals in fighting hunger. Thank you for all you do for DMARC, Sarah! Why do you volunteer with DMARC? I love how DMARC serves the community. Not only do they provide healthy and culturally appropriate options at the pantries in their network, their mission is to provide assistance in a dignified and respectful way. DMARC encounters people in their most vulnerable state and knowing that they meet every person who enters one of the pantries with respect and dignity is a really important part of why I choose ...

DMARC Applauds Historic Increase to SNAP Benefits

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) applauds the recent announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate benefit amounts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Iowa as Food Assistance. As a result, effective October 1, the average SNAP benefit will increase by 27%, or $36.24 more per person, per month. A temporary 15% increase to SNAP benefits that was included in the 2021 American Rescue Plan is set to expire on September 30. “For the 285,000 Iowans who rely on SNAP benefits to help them feed their families, including ...