220 results for author: lelzinga

Lasting Impacts from the Government Shutdown

Last Friday, the longest government shutdown in US history finally came to an end. But there are still some lasting impacts for the DMARC Food Pantry Network. As a result of the shutdown, the USDA directed states to send out February's SNAP benefits early, no later than January 20. In Iowa, February's SNAP benefits were distributed on January 17. DMARC will likely see less food pantry use at the end of January, as SNAP participants have benefits to spend on groceries. However, as we move later in to February, we expect more people will turn to the DMARC Food Pantry Network as their benefits run out. The month of February is historically our ...

DMARC Mobile Food Pantry Launches Four New Sites

Next week, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry will visit four new mobile pantry partner locations throughout Greater Des Moines. Times and locations for the new DMARC Mobile Food Pantry sites are as follows: Beginning Monday, January 21, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry will visit Park View Village, 1900 SE 28th Street, Grimes, IA 50111, every first and third Monday of the month from 4-6pm. Beginning Tuesday, January 22, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry will visit Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Parish, 1271 E 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316, every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 4-6pm. Beginning Wednesday, January 23, the DMARC Mobile ...

Food for Thought: Tax Wise Giving

If you are considering a gift to DMARC, you might consider one of the following to help you maximize your gift: Giving appreciated stock Making a qualified charitable distribution through your IRA to DMARC Bunching your gifts to DMARC Giving to DMARC through a Donor Advised Fund Giving to DMARC’s Endow Iowa Fund Giving Appreciated Stock There are several benefits – The knowledge that your money will be invested in a cause you believe in. You avoid capital gains taxes. You will be eligible to receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift. In order to qualify for ...

Mobilizing to Meet the Need

This article originally appeared in the Nov/Dec/Jan 2018-19 issue of The Voice. On Wednesday, October 3, The Partnership for a Hunger Free Polk County dedicated two new mobile food pantries at the Ellis I. Levitt Boys & Girls Club at Carver Elementary in Des Moines. The two new mobile food pantries were made possible thanks to the generosity of Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt, Charlotte and Fred Hubbell, Variety-the Children's Charity, and The Partnership for a Hunger Free Polk County. The additional mobile food pantries will allow DMARC to reach more locations at a higher frequency, and to reach underserved populations such as children at the ...

Statement on Racist Threats Made to Drake Students

The DMARC Food Pantry Network assists 17,000 individuals every single month with the support of hundreds of religious and non-religious groups. We know that great things are possible when we do this work together. And in order to work together, it is vital for us to grow in awareness, foster appreciation, and build relationship across difference. Therefore, it is a priority of our work to create opportunities for education and connection, especially when it comes to religious diversity. Drake University has been a partner in our work to build a community of admiration, trust, connection, and engagement in this metro area. We have been so honored to ...

Tara’s Story

When you first meet Tara, you immediately notice a few things about her. Her eyes sparkle, and she has more than a few goals. But that wasn't always the case. Born in Salt Lake City, Tara came to Des Moines seeking opportunity after escaping an abusive situation. In Des Moines she attended college, graduated, and got a job at a financial firm. However, layoffs forced her to move to Texas where, not long thereafter, she fell on hard times. In the span of seven months, Tara lost 155 pounds and was diagnosed with debilitating disorders. She became incommunicative and was unable to retain even the simplest information for more than two minutes at a ...

Statement on Shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue

The Des Moines Area Religious Council stands in solidarity with the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Greater Des Moines, and across the world. We mourn the 11 victims who were killed by the horrific act of anti-Semitic violence at Tree of Life Synagogue, the deadliest attack against the American Jewish community in our nation’s history. Words matter. We call on our member congregations to condemn any and all acts of religious violence and incitement. We call on our supporters to make their voices heard, and speak out against anti-Semitic bigotry. Finally, we call on our elected leaders to take a firm and vocal stand against anti-Semitism, white ...

Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry Joins DMARC Network

On Wednesday, October 2, the DMARC Food Pantry Network welcomed a new addition to its partner pantries, Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry, bringing the total of DMARC partner pantries to 14. Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry is located within the Eastview Community Center. Eastview Community Center, located at 4101 East 42nd Street in Des Moines, has been operating since 2014 as a hub for partnerships that encourage community betterment in the areas of service, compassion, relationships and wellness. The information and schedule for Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry, as of October 2, 2018, is as follows: Caring Hands Eastview Food Pantry 4...

Competitive Drives Raise Over $5,000

Last week, a number of companies around Greater Des Moines held competitive Iowa vs. Iowa State food drives, leading up to Saturday's game. In total, over $5,000 and nearly 2,000 food items were raised for the DMARC Food Pantry Network through their efforts! When we come together to support a good cause, everyone wins. We would like to thank the following organizations that supported DMARC through a competitive drive: The Dana Company: 603 food items Ligutti Tower, Newbury Living: 265 food items Lincoln Savings Bank: 140 food items McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith: $254 NCMIC Group: $2,260 and 300 food items The Stelter Company: $2,662.25 and ...

Mobile Food Pantry Launches at Oakridge Neighborhood

On Monday, August 20, the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry was on-site at the Oakridge Neighborhood near the basketball courts from 12:00-2:00pm. The Mobile Food Pantry will be there at the same time every third and fourth Monday of the month. Oakridge Neighborhood is located just north of Unity Point/Methodist Hospital on the northeast corner of Center and Crocker Streets. "Hunger happens 365 days of the year, and it happens for thousands of individuals right here in Polk County," said Oakridge Neighborhood CEO Teree Caldwell-Johnson. "This Oakridge and DMARC partnership will bring the Mobile Food Pantry to the nearly 1,200 residents of our neighborhood...