A Message from Matt

In the 70-plus year history of the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), our mission has remained largely the same – working together to meet the basic human needs of our neighbors. As our organization finds itself in arguably one of its most pivotal moments, I feel incredibly lucky to find unity is at the heart of every facet of our work. As we work to address an emergency level of need in our community, your continued support has helped us rise to the occasion.

FACING THE ‘NEW NORMAL’

The overall volume of pantry visitors this year itself, is staggering. But the overarching theme in our pantry volume is the overwhelming amount of first time visitors – a relentless trend that has continued into our current fiscal year. In fact, in 17 of 18 consecutive most recent months we broke that month’s record for the most new individual visitors and broke the overall record a number of times.

The sad fact of the matter is that food insecurity has long since left its role as a “poverty symptom” behind and has become a symptom of a new, broader inability for everyday working folks to meet the basic costs of living. Beyond more recent inflation challenges, these costs continue to rise at a rate higher than that of salaries or incomes. We see that everyday across our food pantry network. This trend has resulted in more pantry visitors, from bigger households, and a need to visit more frequently.

RISING TO MEET THE NEED

The good news is, despite folks needing more and more frequent help, The DMARC network of pantries has risen to the occasion. Every day we continue to offer a dignified pantry experience, where one can count on a regular inventory of items, and access to healthy foods. This good news is made possible by the giving of time, talent, and treasure from readers like you and a giving community that cares for its citizens. This report is a snapshot of those things you’ve made possible this year.

Matt Unger
Chief Executive Officer

The DMARC Food Pantry Network consists of 14 partner food pantries, multiple mobile food pantry locations, and a home delivery program. DMARC is committed to providing nutritious food and fresh fruits and vegetables to the people we assist.

People can select a three-day supply of food from any one of our partner food pantries, and AnyTime Items are available for daily visits.

Where does our food come from

The busiest 12 month period on record has forced our team to innovate as the price of food has created challenges.

“”Previously we never could’ve taken a semi-load of canned fruit or pasta in one day and that saves us quite a bit of money. We might save 5,6, or $7000 by ordering in a larger quantity.”

— Becky Whitlow, DMARC Food Pantry Network Director

“I became more aware of the similarities between every system of beliefs and that all are built on love… there are so many ways to worship, and all are unique and valuable.”

— Audrey Martin, Camp participant & first year student at Drake University

In FY23, DMARC assisted:

59,884 
total unique individuals

1 in 3
we’re first time visitors