DMARC Sees Increase in Requests for Food
The DMARC Food Pantry Network is seeing a disturbing increase in demand. The November numbers reveal a heavy 10% spike in individuals served compared to numbers from November 2012, which were also high. In November 2013 alone, DMARC provided food for 4,373 families (14,070 individuals); enough food for 168,840 meals. This followed an 11.5% increase in the number of individuals served in October 2013.
The poor economy continues to present challenges for families in Greater Des Moines, especially since the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamp program) benefits returned to their pre-recession levels on November 1, 2013. The average reduction in benefits as a result of this cut amounted to 5.5% for each recipient.
“People with limited income are making difficult choices, such as selecting medicine over food or food instead of clean diapers,” said Whitlow. “DMARC is able to serve families in need thanks to generous in-kind donations of food items and thanks to cash gifts. Cash is especially important because we can use it to purchase food from the Food Bank of Iowa or wholesale, allowing us to buy about 2 to 6 times more food for every dollar that a food donor might spend.”
To help ensure adequate supply of food for families requesting help during this time of high need, DMARC is asking for additional cash and in-kind donations.
- Cash may be donated online at the DMARC website: dmarcunited.org/donate.
- Cash donations may also be mailed or dropped off at the DMARC central office: 1435 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
- In-kind donations may be dropped off at the DMARC warehouse, 1435 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Find a complete listing of the most needed items.
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