Summer is here, and with it comes unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in our community. As families across greater Des Moines face increasing food insecurity, your involvement with DMARC can be the difference between a neighbor going hungry and having access to nutritious meals. Here are three impactful ways to get involved this summer and join the fight against hunger.
1. Try Something New: Jump Into Direct Service Volunteering
This summer presents the perfect opportunity to roll up your sleeves and experience firsthand the immediate impact of hunger relief work. Two programs particularly need your help during these crucial months.
Healthy Kids Iowa Program DMARC is helping distribute supplemental food benefits through 14 partner food pantry sites and mobile food pantry programs, with families able to select $40 worth of fresh and nutritious food for each eligible child per month. Volunteers are essential for organizing these distributions, helping families navigate the selection process, and ensuring children have access to healthy foods during the summer months when school meals aren’t available.
Meals from the Market This innovative program transforms food that might otherwise go to waste into nutritious meals for families in need. Volunteers help collect surplus food from the Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market. It’s hands-on work that delivers immediate results – every hour you volunteer directly translates to meals on tables across our community.
This an ideal entry point for new volunteers who want to see the tangible impact of their efforts.
2. Go Deeper: Become a Leadership Volunteer
If you’re ready to amplify your impact and help shape DMARC’s future, consider joining one of our leadership volunteer committees. These roles offer the chance to develop valuable skills while addressing hunger at a strategic level.
Signature Event Planning Committee – Lead the planning for DMARC’s signature annual fundraising event. This role combines event management skills with fundraising strategy, directly supporting our mission while celebrating the community’s commitment to fighting hunger.
Food & Fund Drive Promotions – Put the “FUN” in fundraising by helping local organizations host creative food and fund drives. From tailgate parties to holiday campaigns, this committee helps community groups turn their events into powerful hunger-fighting initiatives.
Red Barrel – Support one of DMARC’s most visible programs by planning promotional activities for the red barrel donation sites at retailers across the metro. This role involves community outreach, relationship building, and creative marketing.
These leadership roles offer professional development opportunities while making a substantial impact on DMARC’s capacity to serve our community. You’ll work alongside dedicated volunteers and staff, gaining experience in nonprofit management, event planning, community outreach, and fundraising.
3. Educate and Advocate: Host a Hunger Simulation
One of the most powerful ways to multiply your impact is by educating others about hunger and food insecurity. Consider hosting a hunger simulation or educational program with your youth group, workplace, or faith community.
What is a Hunger Simulation? A hunger simulation creates an immersive experience that helps participants understand the daily challenges faced by families experiencing food insecurity. Participants might navigate scenarios like shopping on a limited budget, making difficult choices between food and other necessities, or understanding the logistics of accessing food assistance programs.
Educational Opportunities Include:
- Presentations about food insecurity statistics in greater Des Moines
- Interactive workshops about the root causes of hunger
- Service learning projects that combine education with direct action
These programs are particularly impactful for youth groups, employee volunteer programs, and faith communities looking to deepen their understanding of social justice issues while inspiring action.
Your Summer of Impact Starts Now
DMARC food pantries are facing record-high demand for food assistance, making your involvement more crucial than ever.
Summer in Des Moines means community festivals, farmer’s markets, and outdoor gatherings – but for too many families, it also means wondering where the next meal will come from when school breakfast and lunch programs pause. Your involvement with DMARC helps ensure that summer is a time of abundance for all families in our community.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Chloe Bald cbald@dmarcunited.org or (515) 277-6969 x220 to discuss which volunteer opportunity aligns with your interests and availability. Learn more about our programs at https://www.dmarcunited.org/volunteer/.
The need is great, but so is our community’s capacity for compassion and action. This summer, join the hundreds of volunteers who are making a difference in greater Des Moines. Your neighbors are counting on it.
