DMARC and DMPS partnering to provide mobile food pantries at schools

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network and Des Moines Public Schools have expanded their partnership to provide mobile food pantries at additional DMPS school locations.

“The COVID-19 spread in Iowa and resulting economic downturn have left many families without enough to get by,” said Amanda Miller, DMPS Director of Food and Nutrition. “DMARC has been a steadfast partner throughout the years and once again is stepping forward to help keep nutritious food on the table in thousands of homes.”

Mobile food pantry sites have been added at 12 DMPS school locations, and join two existing DMARC mobile food pantry sites at DMPS locations.

“DMARC is proud to expand our partnership with Des Moines Public Schools to meet people who are facing food insecurity in our community where they are,” said Matt Unger, CEO of DMARC. “With such uncertain times, it’s important to provide a consistent and reliable source of healthy food for DMPS students and their families, as well as the surrounding community.”

See below for the full list and schedule of DMARC mobile food pantry sites at DMPS locations. All are welcome – you do not need to be/have a student at DMPS or even live in the district to receive food from the DMARC mobile food pantry. There are no income requirements, but a short intake process is required.

DMARC & DMPS Mobile Food Pantry Locations

Harding Middle School (new) 203 E Euclid Avenue Des Moines, IA 50313	1st & 3rd Thursdays 4:00pm-6:00pm
Hiatt Middle School (new) 1214 E 15th Street Des Moines, IA 50316	every Friday 11:00am-1:00pm
Howe Elementary School 2900 Indianola Avenue Des Moines, IA 50315	2nd & 4th Tuesdays 11:00am-1:00pm
Hoyt Middle School (new) 2700 E 42nd Street Des Moines, IA 50317	1st & 3rd Wednesdays 4:00pm-6:00pm
Lincoln High School/Skeffington’s (new) 2453 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50315	2nd & 4th Fridays 11:00am-1:00pm
McCombs Middle School (new) 201 County Line Road Des Moines, IA 50320	1st & 3rd Mondays 4:00pm-6:00pm
Meredith Middle School (new) 4827 Madison Avenue Des Moines, IA 50310	2nd & 4th Wednesdays 4:00pm-6:00pm
Morris Elementary School (new) 1401 Geil Avenue Des Moines, IA 50315	1st & 3rd Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm
Park Avenue Elementary (new) 3141 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50315	1st & 3rd Fridays 11:00am-1:00pm
River Woods Elementary School 2929 SE 22nd Street Des Moines, IA 50320	1st & 3rd Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm
Samuelson Elementary School (new) 3929 Bel Aire Road Des Moines, IA 50310	1st & 3rd Tuesdays 11:00am-1:00pm
Stowe Elementary School (new) 1441 E 33rd Street Des Moines, IA 50317	1st & 3rd Tuesdays 11:00am-1:00pm
Walnut Street School (new) 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309	1st & 3rd Mondays 11:00am-1:00pm
Weeks Middle School (new) 901 E Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50315	2nd & 4th Tuesdays 4:00pm-6:00pm

In addition to the sites at DMPS locations, DMARC has a number of other mobile food pantry locations throughout the metro, a network of 14 partner food pantries, and a food pantry delivery service. See the map below for all partner food pantry and mobile food pantry locations.

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