COVID-19 Announcements and Updates
Please follow this page for ongoing updates and announcements regarding COVID-19. Last updated: 1:20pm, 10/20/2020.
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts us locally, we wanted to communicate how DMARC is responding. We are and have been actively monitoring information from the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health and taking necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We are fully committed to maintaining food distribution during this time, but are taking extra care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the people we assist.
In addition to educating our staff and volunteers on preventative measures, requiring proper hand washing for all staff and volunteers, and asking our employees to stay home if they show symptoms, at this time, DMARC is taking the following actions:
- We are coordinating with our partner food pantries and Mobile Food Pantry locations to implement alternative food distribution methods that limit mass gathering (more information below).
- We are postponing or cancelling large volunteer groups, hunger simulations, and other gatherings with groups of people.
- We are arranging a Zoom meeting every weekday with our faith leaders and faith communities to share resources and updates around public health guidance for congregations. To learn more, email Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott.
- We are encouraging staff members to move in-person meetings online and to phone calls.
DMARC CEO Matt Unger was recently interviewed by Anne Discher of Child and Family Policy Center for their podcast “A Deeper Dive” to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting people living with food insecurity in our state. Give it a listen below!
Resources
We are also compiling a list of financial and material assistance for people in Greater Des Moines at this time. If you have any resources to add, please contact Luke Elzinga at lelzinga@dmarcunited.org.
Greater Des Moines Resources
Food Pantry Delivery Service
If a person is unable to obtain food by either visiting a food pantry location or by using a proxy to pick up food for them, they may call to request a delivery. DMARC is asking that only those with health, transportation, or other mitigating circumstances use this service.
People can call 1-833-DMARC-20 (1-833-362-7220) toll-free to request a delivery. This number will be staffed by trained volunteers and staff from 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monday through Friday. Requests for delivery will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis, and delivery capacity will depend on the number of volunteers available. The service is launching with a maximum of 50 food pantry deliveries per day. Requests for delivery will close at 12:00pm or after 50 spots have been filled.
Once the order is placed, food will be delivered to the person’s doorstep with a no-contact drop-off the following business day between 9:00am and 12:00pm.
Those interested in volunteering to deliver food can sign up at dmarcunited.org/volunteer.
Alternative Food Pantry Distribution Policies
We have implemented alternative methods for food distribution at our partner food pantries and Mobile Food Pantry locations.
Please view our list of food pantries and call ahead before you visit, as we are continuously monitoring new developments and changes may be implemented rapidly. Information on alternative pantry distribution policies is below. If a DMARC partner food pantry is not listed below, assume they are operating as usual, but please call ahead to confirm.
| Food Pantry | Alternative Distribution Policy | Last Updated |
|
DMARC Mobile Food Pantry |
The Mobile Food Pantry will not allow visitors inside but instead will distribute pre-packaged food with a grab and go system. View the Mobile Food Pantry’s adjusted schedule for July 2020. View the Mobile Food Pantry’s adjusted schedule for August 2020. |
3:19pm on 7/27/2020 |
|
Bidwell Riverside Center |
The pantry will operate via curb-side service, no visitors are allowed entry to the pantry. Visitors will stay in their car while waiting to be assisted, or may “walk up” and wait at picnic tables if they do not have a car. Visitors will receive a pre-packed bag of food, according to household size. The food pantry is eliminating Saturday hours and closing an hour early on Tuesdays. The new food pantry hours are as follows: All EHIP (essential household items program) appointments have been cancelled until further notice. This program is closed until further notice. Clothing and Household services are also canceled until further notice. |
2:39pm on 6/1/2020 |
|
Clive Community Services |
Pre-bagged food will be distributed in the parking lot. Food rescue distribution is being suspended. The clothing closet will be suspended until further notice. |
7:07pm on 3/15/2020 |
|
Caring Hands Eastview Community Center |
Visitors will wait in their vehicles upon arrival. Pantry staff and volunteers will bring a form with the food choices for the monthly food supply. The order will be taken back inside, filled, and returned to visitors. Visitors coming for the weekly supply will be given a pre-filled box of food. |
10:12am on 4/16/2020 |
|
Catholic Charities Outreach Center |
Visitors will check in at the front door and then wait outside or in their vehicle while their food box is being prepared according to their family size. The food box will be brought outside to the family. No visitors will be allowed entry into the pantry at this time. Anytime items will be made available via the service window pre-bagged. Catholic Charities is open the following hours: |
8:53am on 3/18/2020 |
|
Central Iowa Shelter & Services |
The food pantry at CISS is closed temporarily until further notice. |
11:27am on 3/19/2020 |
|
Drake Area Food Pantry |
All IMPACT offices are currently closed to walk-in services. Families must call their local IMPACT Resource Center before going to an office. IMPACT staff will complete most of the food pantry intake over the phone and will schedule a time for pick-up. Families will receive a pre-packaged meal box or bag based on the number of people within their household. At this time, all “Anytime” items will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis on shelving located outside the office doors. Limited personal hygiene items are available at this time and families in need of these items must call their local IMPACT Resource Center to see what is available. |
11:46am on 3/23/2020 |
|
IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Ankeny |
IMPACT Ankeny Food Pantry has switched to delivery only. Visitors will need to call in and complete the intake over the phone, and then IMPACT volunteers will deliver their food package to their home the following day between 11:30am-1:30pm. Intakes will stop being completed at 4:00pm |
12:15pm on 5/13/2020 |
|
Johnston Partnership Place |
Pantry visitors will place an order on a paper form. After placing an order, visitors will be asked to wait in their vehicles or outside while it is being completed. Call/email ahead orders are also welcome, using the forms found on the Johnston Partnership Place website. Email orders to andrea@johnstonpartnership.org or call in at (515) 528-2379 or (515) 868-1357. Staff & volunteers will be the only ones allowed inside the pantry. Anytime items will be pre-bagged and distributed according to family size. The clothing room will be closed until further notice. |
9:01am on 3/16/2020 |
|
Polk County Northside Food Pantry |
Polk County Northside Food Pantry is operating under limited hours. The pantry will be open from 8:00-10:00am, Monday through Friday. |
9:37am on 3/18/2020 |
|
Polk County River Place Food Pantry |
Food will be distributed in pre-selected packages based on family size. |
10:15am on 3/16/2020 |
|
Salvation Army Citadel |
Food will be distributed in pre-packed bags of food. |
1:20pm on 3/16/2020 |
|
Salvation Army Temple |
Food will be distributed in pre-packed bags of food. |
1:20pm on 3/16/2020 |
|
Urbandale Food Pantry |
Pantry visitors will check-in at the door and wait in their car or outside while a volunteer brings out their pre-packaged bag of food and personal items. No visitors will be permitted in the pantry at this time. Bread and anytime items will be available outside. Starting March 19, the Urbandale Food Pantry will be open under a revised schedule: |
2:42pm on 6/1/2020 |
West Des Moines Human Services |
Food will be distributed in pre-selected packages based on household size. Please call (515) 222-3668 to place an order. Food will be delivered at the donation doors at the SE corner of the parking lot. Identification for all household members needing food will be verified at pick-up. Evening hours are temporarily suspended. The new hours for the food pantry are: |
5:00pm on 3/18/2020 |
Clare Smith-Larson
March 14, 2020 (11:14 am)
Will volunteers at the warehouse be needed during this time?
lelzinga
March 18, 2020 (4:44 pm)
We are using a limited amount of volunteers in our warehouse during this time. If you have regularly scheduled volunteer shifts, please call ahead to check before coming in.
Odessa Peake
March 17, 2020 (7:15 am)
Food trucks. Will Food trucks still be distributing at Corinthian on Saturday, March 21st?
I am a volunteer and need to know.
DiAnn Walls Kipper
March 17, 2020 (12:23 pm)
I help assign volunteers at Corinthian Baptist on Sat. March 21st from 10 to Noon. Will the mobile food truck come on that date? Thank you DiAnn
Cheryl Lewis
March 17, 2020 (12:35 pm)
My question is if you use dmarc as a food pantry for the month are you still eligible for grab and go. I have an elementary student who normally would have free lunches
lelzinga
March 18, 2020 (4:43 pm)
Hi Cheryl, if you’ve already received food from a pantry this month, you are still eligible to receive additional food through the program with Des Moines Public Schools.
Community Coming Together To Feed Each Other During COVID-19 Pandemic - RSSFeedsCloud
March 19, 2020 (10:21 pm)
[…] Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel donated 2,775 pounds of food to Des Moines Area Religious Council. […]
Community Coming Together To Feed Each Other During COVID-19 Pandemic - Iowa.Media
March 20, 2020 (12:09 am)
[…] Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel donated 2,775 pounds of food to Des Moines Area Religious Council. […]
Dan Rushing
April 3, 2020 (11:16 am)
Hi, we have a corporate giving garden and are beginning to plan our season. Will you still accept donations from corporate giving gardens? Is there any special circumstances we need to keep in mind for this year?
Valerie Hermanstorfer
May 12, 2020 (8:34 am)
I am also contacting DMARC to ask if fresh produce donations will be accepted this summer from corporate giving gardens – if any restrictions will be placed on those donations. Thank you!
DiAnn Walls Kipper
April 3, 2020 (7:26 pm)
Will the food truck be at Corinthian Baptist on Sat April 4 at 10am? Thank you DiAnn Walls Kipper