DMARC Will Help More People
The DMARC 1435 Mulberry Initiative is a non-traditional, fast-track $1.3 million capital campaign. The project will support the property purchase and renovation of 1435 Mulberry Street, as well as equipment and furnishings and food inventory to stock the warehouse.
The 1435 Mulberry Campaign will help DMARC provide more services and food for more people in more places.
Goals are to strengthen and stabilize the emergency food system, enhance and equalize access to nutritional food, and improve community health in Greater Des Moines/Polk County, Iowa. In addition to ...
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. ...
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 ...
The Path to 1435 Mulberry Street
By Kristine Frakes, Development Director
Beginning in late 2010, and over the course of the next thirty (30) months, a site search committee of the Des Moines Area Religious Council visited dozens of commercial warehouses, office buildings, and other facilities. The goal was to relocate to an affordable space that would be suitable for existing programs and allow DMARC to grow in service to the community.
It soon became apparent that the committee was tasked with a daunting challenge. The spaces available for lease generally were unsuited to DMARC’s needs. And, in ...
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.
Kiwanis say “Goodbye” to old and “Hello” to DMARC’s new Food Pantry Warehouse
Local Kiwanis clubs were invited to a special ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2014, honoring their commitment and support to DMARC’s Food Pantry Network.
In 1986, Des Moines area Kiwanis (approximately 12 clubs) built a warehouse at 36th Street to house the food pantry warehouse.
Today's Des Moines area Kiwanis groups include:
West Des Moines Kiwanis
Kiwanis Club of Johnston
Kiwanis Miracle League
Kiwanis Club of Des Moines (downtown)
Ankeny Kiwanis
Northwest Kiwanis Club
Golden K Kiwanis
Urbandale Kiwanis
After a brief celebration and ...
Watch Our Renovation Progress at 1435 Mulberry Street!
On Monday, January 20, 2014, the DMARC Food Pantry Network warehouse officially opened for business at 1435 Mulberry Street in Des Moines. The DMARC offices opened January 21st at the new location.
The 36th Street property was purchased by the Revival Center Church of God in Christ. They will be re-purposing the old warehouse for their congregation's programing as well as making the upper floor of the offices into a sanctuary again.
Thank you for your continued support during our relocation!
January 8, 2014
New 'gently used' furniture was donated to the offices ...
DMARC Food Pantry Network to Receive Hy-Vee Grocery Donation at New Warehouse
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network will be receiving a shipment of $5,500 worth of cereal from the Hy-Vee Stores on Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m., at 1435 Mulberry Street, Des Moines.
“This is the first shipment of food to DMARC’s newly renovated building on the southwest side of downtown Des Moines,” shared Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow. “Because Hy-Vee is such a wonderful partner, we wanted to celebrate the Colossal Cookie Sale by receiving their donation as the first to our new site,” continued Whitlo...
Holiday Gifts Are Always Welcome!
Ways to Give...
Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for the holidays or another special occasion of your friend or family member? DMARC has solved your gift-giving dilemma for that special someone:
Pledge to our Capital Campaign - DMARC/MovetheFood offices and the Food Pantry Warehouse are moving to a newly renovated building near downtown Des Moines. Pledging or donating funds to the Mulberry Street project would make a great gift for your business or faith leader or staff.
Winter Thaw 2014 is approaching (formerly called January Thaw), give a gift ...
DMARC Sees Increase in Requests for Food
The DMARC Food Pantry Network is seeing a disturbing increase in demand. The November numbers reveal a heavy 10% spike in individuals served compared to numbers from November 2012, which were also high. In November 2013 alone, DMARC provided food for 4,373 families (14,070 individuals); enough food for 168,840 meals. This followed an 11.5% increase in the number of individuals served in October 2013.
The poor economy continues to present challenges for families in Greater Des Moines, especially since the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamp ...