Food Pantry Network Sees Substantial Rise in Use

From month to month in 2014, the Des Moines Area Religious Council’s Food Pantry Network has seen double digit percentage increases in use compared to last year. In September of this year, DMARC food pantry partners served 4,738 families, a 19.1% increase compared to 3,978 families served in September 2013. In November 2010, during the midst of the recession, DMARC food pantry partners served a record 5,291 families. It can be expected that DMARC will set a new record high number of families served in November of this year. Doing so will only take a 9.0% increase ...

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Census Report on Income and Poverty Reaffirms Slow Recovery

On Tuesday, September 16, the United States Census Bureau released a report titled, “Income and Poverty in the United States: 2013.” While the report found that the official poverty rate of the United States decreased in 2013 for the first time since 2006, the number of individuals living in poverty was not statistically different from 2012. This finding follows a trend of slow recovery for America’s working and middle classes. “Historically, the poverty rate has moved up and down with the unemployment rate – when unemployment increases, so does the number of ...

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Choice Options at Bidwell Riverside

This article originally appeared in The Voice Vol. 14, No.3, Aug/Sept/October 2014. Bidwell Riverside Center's food pantry re-opened its doors on May 5, after making renovations to become a choice pantry. The transition allows clients to choose their food items each month, making trips to the pantry more enjoyable and cutting waste. "People seems much happier with this system," said Anne Bacon, Executive Director of Bidwell Riverside Center. "Sometimes they'll come in and see people waiting and feel overwhelmed, but by the time they leave, they're smiling and happy ...

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Plant a Mile 2014

Buy Fresh Buy Local, Rinehart's Family Farm, and Move the Food all came together to harvest 3 tons of fresh produce on Thursday, August 7. The group harvested 5,000 pounds of sweet corn, and an additional 1,000 pounds of tomatoes, zucchini and onions. All of this produce was distributed to Des Moines food pantries the very same day. DMARC thanks Rinehart's Family Farm for their generosity in donating this large amount of fresh produce to families in Des Moines who need it most. We also thank the Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign and all the volunteers who helped ...

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DMARC Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

You are invited! To the Des Moines Area Religious Council's Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, June 10, at 4:00 p.m. at our new location, 1435 Mulberry Street in Downtown Des Moines! Join the celebration, hear from DMARC leaders, witness the ribbon cutting and tour our new facility, including our 6,000 square foot Food Pantry Network warehouse. Please RSVP before June 3 by emailing Linda Vander Hart, or by calling 515-277-6969.

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Hy-Vee and Skippy Peanut Butter Sale Benefits DMARC Food Pantry Network

March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, and local Hy-Vee Food Stores and Skippy are teaming up for a food drive to benefit Des Moines Area Religious Council’s Food Pantry Network. The Hy-Vee Skippy peanut butter promotion starts Tuesday, February 25 and runs through Monday, March 3. For every 3 pounds of Skippy sold at Des Moines area Hy-Vee food stores, Hy-Vee will donate 1 pound to DMARC. Last year, 500 jars were donated and delivered to DMARC food pantry warehouse by Des Moines area donors and the Red Barrel collection program of food items in local ...

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Groups Host CSA Fair Promoting Fresh Produce for Healthier Hearts this Valentine’s Day Weekend

Six CSAs* will connect with potential members this coming Saturday at the Campbell’s Nutrition CSA fair presented by Greater Des Moines Buy Fresh Buy Local, Eat Greater Des Moines, and Iowa Heartland Resource Conservation and Development. The event aims to provide people the opportunity to meet with farmers directly, to learn more about CSAs, and to ask questions to help them choose a CSA that best fits their specific needs and lifestyle. “The CSA Fair is a great way to learn more about CSA options around the area and talk directly with each producer. Each CSA has ...

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Eat Greater Des Moines Announced as Finalist in Far Reach’s Nonprofit Tech Project Contest

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa—Far Reach, a Cedar Falls-based technology and marketing firm, announced that Eat Greater Des Moines is a finalist in its Operation: Make a Difference contest. Eat Greater Des Moines has the chance to have software built by Far Reach for free. The winner will be determined by the public—the project with the most votes at 11:59 p.m. on February 14 will be declared the winner of Operation: Make a Difference. Voting is on Far Reach’s Facebook page, and individuals can vote once every 24 hours. The winner will be announced on Facebook February 17. ...

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DMARC Takes Big Step in Faith

Take the first step in faith.You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. – Martin Luther King, Jr. For the first time in its history, the Des Moines Area Religious Council has a permanent home. On Monday, January 20, 2014, DMARC opened its new offices and Food Pantry Network warehouse at 1435 Mulberry Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Purchased in July 2013, the renovated 9,000 square foot building has been designed specifically for DMARC. The property is situated in the Western Gateway development area, with easy access from ...

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Governor Declares Religious Freedom Day at January 16th Ceremony

Religious Freedom Day was declared by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for the state of Iowa on January 16th. DMARC's Executive Director Rev. Sarai Rice (center right) participated in the ceremony at the capitol building on January 16th. An article by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains details: Iowa Governor Declares 16 January Religious Freedom Day in His State.

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