Statement on Racist Threats Made to Drake Students
The DMARC Food Pantry Network assists 17,000 individuals every single month with the support of hundreds of religious and non-religious groups. We know that great things are possible when we do this work together. And in order to work together, it is vital for us to grow in awareness, foster appreciation, and build relationship across difference. Therefore, it is a priority of our work to create opportunities for education and connection, especially when it comes to religious diversity. Drake University has been a partner in our work to build a community of admiration, ...
Tara’s Story
When you first meet Tara, you immediately notice a few things about her. Her eyes sparkle, and she has more than a few goals. But that wasn't always the case.
Born in Salt Lake City, Tara came to Des Moines seeking opportunity after escaping an abusive situation. In Des Moines she attended college, graduated, and got a job at a financial firm. However, layoffs forced her to move to Texas where, not long thereafter, she fell on hard times.
In the span of seven months, Tara lost 155 pounds and was diagnosed with debilitating disorders. She became incommunicative and ...
Statement on Shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue
The Des Moines Area Religious Council stands in solidarity with the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Greater Des Moines, and across the world. We mourn the 11 victims who were killed by the horrific act of anti-Semitic violence at Tree of Life Synagogue, the deadliest attack against the American Jewish community in our nation’s history.
Words matter. We call on our member congregations to condemn any and all acts of religious violence and incitement. We call on our supporters to make their voices heard, and speak out against anti-Semitic bigotry. Finally, we call on ...
Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry Joins DMARC Network
On Wednesday, October 2, the DMARC Food Pantry Network welcomed a new addition to its partner pantries, Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry, bringing the total of DMARC partner pantries to 14.
Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry is located within the Eastview Community Center. Eastview Community Center, located at 4101 East 42nd Street in Des Moines, has been operating since 2014 as a hub for partnerships that encourage community betterment in the areas of service, compassion, relationships and wellness.
The information and schedule for Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry, ...
Competitive Drives Raise Over $5,000
Last week, a number of companies around Greater Des Moines held competitive Iowa vs. Iowa State food drives, leading up to Saturday's game. In total, over $5,000 and nearly 2,000 food items were raised for the DMARC Food Pantry Network through their efforts! When we come together to support a good cause, everyone wins.
We would like to thank the following organizations that supported DMARC through a competitive drive:
The Dana Company: 603 food items
Ligutti Tower, Newbury Living: 265 food items
Lincoln Savings Bank: 140 food items
McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith: ...
Mobile Food Pantry Launches at Oakridge Neighborhood
On Monday, August 20, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry was on-site at the Oakridge Neighborhood near the basketball courts from 12:00-2:00pm. The Mobile Food Pantry will be there at the same time every third and fourth Monday of the month. Oakridge Neighborhood is located just north of Unity Point/Methodist Hospital on the northeast corner of Center and Crocker Streets.
"Hunger happens 365 days of the year, and it happens for thousands of individuals right here in Polk County," said Oakridge Neighborhood CEO Teree Caldwell-Johnson. "This Oakridge and DMARC partnership will ...
DMARC Mobile Food Pantry Responds to Flooding
At the beginning of this month the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry was tasked with something that had never been asked of it before.
As many are aware the Des Moines area experienced historic flooding at the beginning of July, and for the first time DMARC’s Mobile Food Pantry was called in for flood victim relief efforts. It is the first time that the mobile food pantry has been called to respond to any sort of natural disaster by the local government according to Joe Dolack, the Mobile Food Pantry Manager.
And Dolack would know, as he’s been running the mobile food ...
Flood Victims Eligible to Receive Extra Food from DMARC in July
Victims of the recent floods will be able to access the DMARC Food Pantry Network twice during the month of July. Typically, visitors may only visit once per calendar month to receive a three-day supply of food, though extra items are always available any day the pantry is open.
“We hope this additional supply of food will be a relief to those in our community who are struggling to get their lives back on track following this disaster,” said Rev. Sarai Schnucker Rice, executive director of DMARC.
Last week, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry suspended its regular ...
“Project Fresh” to provide free fresh produce in July
During the month of July, the Aetna Foundation is partnering with DMARC on “Project Fresh” to provide free fresh produce to people in the greater Des Moines community facing food insecurity.
“We are excited to partner with the Aetna Foundation on ‘Project Fresh,’” said DMARC Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow. “People love being able to get fruits and vegetables that they otherwise might not be able to afford.”
This is the third year the Aetna Foundation has partnered with DMARC to distribute free fresh produce. In 2016 and 2017, DMARC and ...
DMARC Announces Two New Mobile Food Pantries
DMARC is pleased to share that it will receive two new Mobile Food Pantries, thanks to the generosity of Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt and Variety - the Children’s Charity, who have provided funds to pay for the truck and trailers and the cost to retrofit both mobile pantries. The Partnership for a Hunger-Free Polk County will cover the remaining costs of the operation and DMARC will operate them and provide the food for both mobiles.
The new mobile pantries will help children in the greater Des Moines community, thanks to the collaboration and partnership with ...
