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meals from the market

Volunteer

volunteer in the pantry

Portrait of a food pantry visitor

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Portrait of a food pantry visitor

Des Moines Area Religious Council

100 Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA 50315 | (515) 277-6969 | info@dmarcunited.org

Our Mission

Working together to meet basic human needs for the greater Des Moines community.

Our Services

Learn more about our Food Pantry Network and Interfaith Engagement.


Latest News from DMARC

  • Pantry Closures: Independence Day

    Pantry Closures: Independence Day

    DMARC would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day Celebration. The DMARC-Ket Southside Food Pantry will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.   Please plan ahead as the holiday will affect most pantry locations. For more information about …Read More »
  • What you need to know about summer meal sites

    What you need to know about summer meal sites

    Summer is officially here! For some, the end of the school year introduces challenges around a new routine – especially when it comes to summer meals. As the rates of food insecurity grow in our community, so do the number of school-age children affected. This …Read More »
  • Schools out:  Summer begins with busiest day on record

    Schools out: Summer begins with busiest day on record

    Just a couple of days after the close of the 2024 school year, The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network assisted 2,080 unique individuals on Tuesday, Jun. 4, 2024 – setting a single-day record of people assisted. This marks the first time …Read More »
  • Did Lawmakers Forget About Food Insecurity This Session?

    Did Lawmakers Forget About Food Insecurity This Session?

    By Luke Elzinga | DMARC Policy and Advocacy Manager The Iowa legislative session has drawn to a close. Unfortunately, we saw little action to address hunger and food insecurity from our state government, despite several bipartisan legislative proposals. This is especially concerning when food banks, …Read More »
  • Doug Woods Memorial Hunger Challenge

    Doug Woods Memorial Hunger Challenge

    Every single person has the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community. Doug Woods was one such person who found delight in giving and made a lasting difference in his community. This March (March 1 – 31), take the challenge for the 12th annual …Read More »
  • Rising to meet the need

    Rising to meet the need

    Becky Whitlow, Director of the DMARC Food Pantry Network describes herself as a bargain hunter. As the primary wholesale purchase for the network of 14 food pantry partners, mobile food pantry sites, and food delivery program, Whitlow has had her hands full. She finds herself …Read More »
  • Over 140 Faith Leaders call for action on Summer EBT

    Over 140 Faith Leaders call for action on Summer EBT

    Re: Iowa Interfaith Leaders – feeding hungry children this summer the right thing to do Dear Governor Reynolds, Lt. Governor Gregg, and Director Garcia, Feeding the poor is a universal value shared by all major faith traditions and all cultures – this is especially true …Read More »
  • 5 ways you left your mark in 2023

    5 ways you left your mark in 2023

    2023 will go down as the busiest year of all-time at the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Even with the challenges that this year has brought, we are incredibly grateful for your support as we’ve risen to meet this emergency need in our community. 1) Your …Read More »
  • Holiday Closures for the DMARC Food Pantry Network

    Holiday Closures for the DMARC Food Pantry Network

    DMARC would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Please be aware of upcoming holiday closures at all food pantry sites. DMARC’s office, warehouse, and the DMARC-ket Southside Food Pantry will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 1, resuming operations Jan 2, …Read More »
  • Meet Rebeka

    Meet Rebeka

    Rebeka S. appreciates the option for mobile and permanent pantries. She’s used both as a resource to help handicapped relatives and grab food while being unhoused in the winter months. “We’re stressed out and hungry. We’re kind of getting what we can, where we can, …Read More »
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