Meals From The Market Starts Up Again this Saturday
Those interested in volunteering with Meals From The Market can sign up online at dmarcunited.org/volunteer.
Join DMARC for Our Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 20, 6:00-7:00pm
via Zoom
You're invited! Join DMARC for a virtual annual meeting on Thursday, May 20, 6:00-7:00pm.
Learn more about our work over the past year and how we adapted and stayed flexible in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear from DMARC staff, pantry partners, faith communities, and volunteers.
Receive an update on our advocacy and interfaith efforts.
Help us recognize our outstanding volunteer of the year and outgoing board leadership.
Find out more about how you can stay involved in our work.
DMARC has moved away from ...
Commemorating 45 Years of the DMARC Food Pantry Network
We have grown to occupy 9,000 square feet of warehouse space with pallet racking and walk-in coolers and freezers, employ a staff of 17 people, manage a fleet of six vehicles, and assist over 58,000 unique individuals on an annual basis.
Whenever our community has faced a crisis, DMARC has stayed flexible and risen to the challenge to provide food in innovative new ways, from the gas crisis of the 1980's, to the flood of 1993, to the Great Recession, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity does not only exist during these crises, however, and we have ...
Staff Spotlight: Patrick Minor
What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then?
Originally, DMARC moved into the building next to my apartment. I had never heard of the organization before. I was working as a regional minister for young adults in my church, until the position lost its funding. Then, a neighbor at the time, John Robinson, the former Red Barrel coordinator, posted a job listing for a warehouse associate at DMARC. I started researching the organization and was amazed to discover the amazing work that was happening just across the street from me. As a minister and ...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jerry Wylie
Why should others consider volunteering with DMARC?
It's an easy way to help others in need while getting some exercise and spending time with family or friends.
Interested in learning more about how you can volunteer your time and talents with DMARC? Visit our Volunteer page or contact Volunteer and Outreach Manager Nisha Kishor at nkishor@dmarcunited.org.
DMARC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa Relaunch Refuel Station
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa (BGCCI) are relaunching the “Refuel Station” this week, a mobile food pantry specifically designed to cater to children. The Refuel Station was originally launched in April 2019, but operations were suspended in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are grateful for our partnership with DMARC, which allows us to continue meeting the critical needs of our Club members and their families,” said BGCCI Chief Executive Officer Tony Timm. “We look forward to seeing the ...
Volunteer Spotlight: Connie Richards
As an effort to better acknowledge all the hard work our dedicated volunteers put in to help us meet our mission, DMARC is spotlighting their hard work!
This month, we're recognizing Connie Richards for her help volunteering with our Red Barrel Program and Mobile Food Pantry!
Why do you volunteer with DMARC?
To tell you the truth I don't have the money to donate but I can donate my time and it doesn't hurt my soul to do it. I enjoy it!
How long have you been volunteering with DMARC?
Since 2013, I started with the Red Barrel Program and also helped out with the ...
Staff Spotlight: Daniel Beck
Daniel Beck is the Data, Analytics, and Program Coordinator at DMARC. Daniel joined DMARC during the spring/summer of 2010, initially as a volunteer assisting with some construction in the former warehouse, and was hired as staff later in the summer that same year. Daniel’s role within DMARC has been ever-evolving as the organization itself evolves and expands its reach and impact on the community.
Daniel has an educational background in nutrition and exercise science, and worked in this field as a nutrition advisor and personal trainer while attending Northwest ...
Introducing DMARC’s Nutrition Advisory Committee
by Linda Gobberdiel, MA RD LD
We are currently in the middle of National Nutrition Month and what a great time to introduce DMARC’s Nutrition Advisory Committee! This relatively new group focuses on nutrition-related projects for DMARC and their food pantries.
Back in 2019, DMARC staff saw the need for having nutrition professionals available on a more continuous basis to help meet commitments in DMARC’s relationship with Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA). Dietitians’ knowledge and expertise were needed to maximize nutrition in their food pantry ...
Partner Profile: Urbandale Food Pantry
While all partner food pantries in the DMARC Food Pantry Network have made adaptations during the pandemic, Urbandale Food Pantry has been especially innovative in its approach to limit the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to provide food to people facing hunger and food insecurity in our community.
To limit physical interactions at the food pantry, visitors place their monthly order for food in an enclosed booth they enter from the exterior of the building. Daily food rescue items are available at another door, where pantry visitors may enter one at a time. The food ...
