44 results for author: Blake Willadsen

DMARC Food Pantry Network sees busiest month of all time in August

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network assisted 23,886 unique individuals during the month of August, becoming the highest monthly total in the 47-year history of the network. During the month, 23,886 individuals made 27,142 visits for monthly assistance – an 18 percent increase from August 2022. This exceeds the previous all-time record set in November 2019 of 22,632 unique individuals and caps an uneasy trend of growing food insecurity this summer. During this time, DMARC assisted an all-time record of 2,155 new individuals. “When you look at the added pressure that households are facing to afford basic needs ...

DMARC Remembers David Wolnerman

DMARC is greatly saddened to hear of the death of David Wolnerman, one of the last known Iowans who survived the Nazi concentration camps during the holocaust. During his years in the Des Moines Metro area, Mr. Wolnerman shared his story far and wide for the sake of educating and empowering Iowans to stand up against antisemitism. He was committed to efforts to build relationships across religious diversity, giving of his time and presence. When the Comparison Project at Drake University published A Spectrum of Faith: Religions of the World in America’s Heartland, he was pictured in prayer at Beth El Jacob Synagogue (photo above). Mr. Wolnerman ...

6 ways to make a difference during Hunger Action Month

As the DMARC Food Pantry Network continues to see more people than ever before, this September is a great time to find a way to help us fight hunger right in your own backyard. Every little bit counts… see if you can find a new way to get involved this month.  Become an anti-hunger advocate Hunger is affecting every neighborhood in the Des Moines Metro right now. Educating others about food insecurity is one of the best ways to encourage action and there are lots of ways to learn more. Read our latest publications, follow us on social media, and follow our latest advocacy efforts. You can encourage social groups you are a part of to support ...

Turning interfaith engagement Into understanding and action

 As you walk through the doors to Temple B'nai Jeshurun, immediately you are greeted by a table of literature on local charity resources, a table of food donation collections, and a bright red barrel adorning the classic DMARC Red Barrel stop sign – “Help STOP Hunger in our city”. The Jewish reformed synagogue is celebrating its 150-year anniversary this year and each month is choosing to select a different food item to collect donations of for the Food Pantry Network. For Rabbi Neal Schuster this idea of helping those in need is simple and constant in their congregation. Like any good Rabbi, he has a passage from the Hebrew Bible ...

DIY: When creativity and philanthropy meet

17 year old Ethan H. Stanley doesn't like to be bored in the summers. After volunteering with his High School Swim team at the DMARC warehouse, he came up with an idea for how he could support a cause he cared about. Thanks to Ethan's direction, On Aug. 15 at Legacy Golf Club golfers will tee off to support DMARC in the inaugural "Putts for the Pantry" golf benefit. "I grew up playing golf, I compete on Dowling's Golf Team, and I love the game of golf," said Stanley, the event director. "I wanted to use my passion for Golf as a way to help others." The event expects to exceed their original fundraising goal of $10,000 through a mix of ...

DMARC Food Pantry Network Hosting ‘Rivalry Week’ Food Drive Competition

Want bragging rights off the field prior to the big game on September 9th? The state's largest food pantry network is inviting the community to give back while showing their Iowa or Iowa State pride during the DMARC Competitive Food or Fund Drive. DMARC is asking workplaces, religious congregations, and other groups to consider hosting a food drive coinciding with the Sept. 9 matchup between the University of Iowa and Iowa State Cyclones. This past Fiscal Year (July 2022 to June 2023) was DMARC’s busiest 12-months ever assisting 59,844 unique individuals – including 1 in 5 people living in Des Moines. Friendly competition never ...

DMARC Sees Single busiest day of Food Pantry Usage

1 in 5 Des Moines residents received food assistance through DMARC The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network assisted 1,731 unique individuals on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 setting a single-day record of people assisted. This surpasses the previous single-day record that had been set two months prior on May 2, 2023 assisting 1,728 unique individuals. June and July were both the 2nd and 3rd busiest months ever respectively in the 48-year history of the DMARC Food Pantry Network and many continue to struggle with the rising cost of living and inflated food prices. “The summer has always put additional burdens on families struggl...

DMARC Food Pantry Network sees busiest 12-month period ever

Another record breaking month in June indicates a challenging summer may be ahead The end of June marks the busiest 12-month period ever for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network with 59,844 unique individuals making 251,705 visits for monthly assistance.  A staggering 1 in 3 individuals had never utilized the DMARC Food Pantry Network before - highlighting the continued strain on people’s budgets. “The people at the heart of this issue are our neighbors, our family, our friends,” said DMARC CEO Matt Unger. “That’s what makes these past 12 months so frustrating. Record inflation continues to turn the heat ...

Faith Leaders, advocates inspire state to change course on food aid for school-age children

Facing public pressure from lawmakers, food insecurity advocates, and faith leaders, Iowa will plan to pursue federal food aid for school age children after initially stating they didn’t intend to apply. The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) distributed a letter signed by over 100 faith leaders from across the state of Iowa encouraging Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, and DHHS Director Kelly Garcia, to submit a proposal to the US. Department of Agriculture for summer P-EBT assistance for school-age children. DMARC stands alongside the interfaith community in applauding HHS for taking action for the children of our state. Iowa is ...

Rising to meet the need

The past 12 months at DMARC have been remarkable and this summer looks to be more of the same... June will mark the fourth time in 2023 when the number of unique individuals being assisted by the DMARC Food Pantry Network reaches an all-time record for that month. It will also mark 14 consecutive months where are seeing a record number of new individuals for that month. These records are not something we look forward to as more people are struggling to meet their basic needs in our community. Why is this happening? The effects of stagnant wages, pandemic income loss, and continued inflation are forcing more Iowans to seek out food assistance who may ...