DMARC Awarded Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network recently received a Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant of $10,000. The grant will allow DMARC to provide more than 17,200 healthy and nutritious meals, or the equivalent of a three-day supply of food for 1,800 hungry Iowans.
“At a time when the state of Iowa ranks 50th in the nation for consumption of fresh produce, it is imperative that we provide healthy, nutritious food for those who need it most,” said DMARC executive director Rev. Sarai Schnucker Rice. “We thank Prairie Meadows for ...
DMARC Announces Commitment to the Partnership for a Healthier America
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) has announced a commitment to the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) to continue its innovative work on incentivizing healthy food choices through the DMARC Food Pantry Network.
“The Partnership for a Healthier America is excited to team up with the Des Moines Area Religious Council’s Food Pantry Network to explore innovative ways of incentivizing healthy eating at food pantries,” said Larry Soler, President and CEO of the Partnership for a Healthier America. “By partnering with local organizations like DMARC, ...
DMARC Statement on Acts of Religious Hatred
The Des Moines Area Religious Council stands with the Islamic Center of Des Moines and all Muslims who call our city and state home. We condemn any and all acts of religious hatred and intolerance, and we call on our member congregations to join us in doing so. Freedom of worship is one of our essential rights as Americans. Religious persecution has no place in the community of Greater Des Moines or the state of Iowa. Additionally, we call on our community leaders to set positive, inclusive examples for our citizens by speaking against these types of hate-filled acts.
DMARC Statement on Religious Discrimination
For decades, Iowa has been a beacon of hope for people from around the world seeking refuge from war and religious persecution. Any form of discrimination on the basis of religion is not only a violation of the Constitution, it is also a denial of our values as Iowans. As an interfaith organization, the Des Moines Area Religious Council stands with our brothers and sisters of all faith traditions against religious discrimination and intolerance, and calls on our community to unite in love against any attempt to limit the rights of religious communities who call Greater Des ...
Hy-Vee Teams Up with Local Distributors for Thanksgiving Sales Promotion to Benefit DMARC
On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, representatives from Hy-Vee, Di Lusso Deli Company, Anderson Erickson Dairy, Doll Distributing, Summit Brewing Company and Gino's all met at the DMARC Food Pantry Network warehouse to deliver the proceeds from a sales promotion in November, 2016.
"Take Steps to End Hunger in Des Moines" ran from November 13 - 26, 2016, with sales promotions on select items that included donations to the DMARC Food Pantry Network. The collaborative effort brought in $4,084.46 for the Food Pantry Network, as well as 3,200 jars of spaghetti sauce donated by ...
Operation Rice Bowl Benefits DMARC
The DMARC Food Pantry Network was recently awarded a $550 grant from the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Relief Services' Operation Rice Bowl Program.
Operation Rice Bowl provides an opportunity for individuals and families to make a positive difference in the lives of people around the world who struggle with hunger and poverty. It provides Catholics with an opportunity to live out the central themes of Lent by praying with their families and faith communities, fasting in solidarity with those who don't have enough food, learning about the joys and challenges in ...
Food Pantry Usage Report: December 2016
In December 2016, the DMARC Food Pantry Network served 6,509 families and 16,556 individuals.
There were 6,509 families served in December 2016, which was 1,030 more families served than in December 2015, an increase of 18.8%.
There were 16,556 individuals served in December 2016, which was 2,554 more individuals served than December 2015, an increase of 18.2%.
Bemis Company Foundation Grants $5,000 to Food Pantry Network
DMARC recently received a $5,000 grant from the Bemis Company Foundation to support the Food Pantry Network. This grant award will go toward the purchase of healthy food supplies such as fresh produce, frozen meats, dairy, and low-sodium, low-fat and low-sugar items to be distributed within the DMARC Food Pantry Network. The grant will provide funding for approximately 8,600 meals for 950 low-income individuals in Greater Des Moines.
A Holiday Meal Basket Message of Thanks
"I helped deliver a holiday meal basket to a family who was in need of Christmas help. My student's mom and dad are senior citizens who both have serious health issues. Mom just had back surgery and Dad has throat cancer and cannot talk.
When I delivered the holiday meal basket to their home, they were so grateful. Even though Dad was unable to speak, I could see from his eyes that he was so grateful. Along with her parents, there are other adults in the household living there as the family support is needed to aid the student's parents. My student was also thankful ...
