Introducing a first-of-its-kind multicultural “welcome” food pantry
Polk County will launch a first-of-its-kind “welcome” pantry in central Iowa in February 2026. Serving as operational lead of a multi-agency initiative, Knock and Drop Iowa (KADI) will be partnering with central Iowa-based ethnic community-based organizations (ECBOs), DMARC, and the Food Bank of Iowa. The initiative—called the Global Neighbors Multicultural Welcome Pantry—will expand food assistance by offering culturally specific food options to better meet the needs of immigrant and refugee households in the Des Moines Metro. KADI will support distribution operations and volunteer coordination in collaboration with community partners.
“Polk County remains committed to fully embracing the cultural diversity that helps us our community thrive,” said Polk County Board Chair Matt McCoy. “This project will help immigrant and refugee communities meet their nutritional needs in a culturally sensitive food pantry.”
A Broader Partnership
The new location (3010 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, IA) will serve as a shared community resource through the Polk County Global Neighbors program and multiple community-based organizations, including African Immigrants and Refugee Transition Services (AIRTS), Afghan Community in Iowa (ACI), and Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity.
“This multicultural welcome pantry is more than a place to access food—it’s a space where dignity, culture, and community come together,” said Zuli Garcia, Founder and Chief Executive Director of Knock and Drop Iowa. “Our families deserve food that reflects who they are, and support that meets them where they are. This pantry represents belonging, trust, and our commitment to serving all cultures with respect.”
Knock and Drop Iowa is a non-profit organization designed to bridge the gap between the underserved and disadvantaged in our community with the resources available. Thousands of people live every day without food and other basic necessities. One of our main goals is to stop hunger by gathering food and providing it to those in need. Knock and Drop Iowa is funded by community support and donations. We are always looking for volunteers and donations in order to assist more people. Learn more at knockanddropiowa.org.
The brick-and-mortar pantry site was previously occupied by the Polk County Northside Community Center’s on-site food pantry and is now being repurposed into the Global Neighbors Multicultural Welcome Pantry. The pantry will feature culturally relevant food options on a rotating basis in partnership with partnering ECBO’s to help meet the unique needs of immigrant and refugee households in central Iowa. The pantry will also guarantee a three-day supply of healthy foods once per month for households in need, including core pantry staples, with support from the DMARC Food Pantry Network.
The pantry will be open to anyone in the community seeking assistance at no cost and will not have any income restrictions or residency requirements. “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Polk County Global Neighbors, Knock and Drop Iowa, and the many community organizations to help our neighbors in need,” said DMARC CEO Kathy Underhill.
Since 2020, Knock and Drop Iowa has provided essential support to the community through food assistance, public health initiatives, and additional resources that help bridge the gap between existing services. The organization previously operated food distribution events out of Franklin Event Center (formerly Franklin Junior High). KADI is now expanding into permanent brick-and-mortar operations to strengthen food access across the Des Moines Metro, including serving as the operational lead for the Global Neighbors Multicultural Welcome Pantry.
Oftentimes, the work of feeding our community boils down to our ability to meet people where they are at. This new location provides a permanent home for our neighbors to go when they need a little extra help with food.
DMARC CEO, Kathy Underhill
