220 results for author: lelzinga

Douglas M. Woods “Challenge Hunger” Campaign

This article was first published as "'Spiritual Awakening' Leads to Douglas M. Woods 'Challenge Hunger' Campaign" in the Feb/Mar/Apr 2015 issue of The Voice. by Kristine Frakes, Development Director What do The Grapes of Wrath, a primitive southern Iowa farmhouse, and a Bible verse have in common? For retired West Des Moines police officer Doug Woods, the convergence of these writings and memories of a boyhood experience led to his self-described "spiritual awakening" in 2012- and, soon after, the launch of the first Douglas M. Woods Hunger Challenge to benefit the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Doug was a picky eater as a child, and his ...

DMARC Hosts Downtown Chamber Lunch, Learn, and Volunteer

DMARC and the Des Moines Downtown Chamber hosted a Lunch, Learn, and Volunteer event on Tuesday, December 9, 2014. Guests were served lunch by Lambert & Ewers while they listened to DMARC Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow talk about DMARC’s programs and services. This was the first Lunch, Learn, and Volunteer put on by the Downtown Chamber. “Lunch, Learn, and Volunteer was created as a response to the fact that we have a large number of nonprofit organizations among our Downtown Chamber members, and each have a great story to tell,” said Jennifer Chittenden, Executive Director of the Des Moines Downtown Chamber. “Through ...

Food Pantry Network Sees Substantial Rise in Use

From month to month in 2014, the Des Moines Area Religious Council’s Food Pantry Network has seen double digit percentage increases in use compared to last year. In September of this year, DMARC food pantry partners served 4,738 families, a 19.1% increase compared to 3,978 families served in September 2013. In November 2010, during the midst of the recession, DMARC food pantry partners served a record 5,291 families. It can be expected that DMARC will set a new record high number of families served in November of this year. Doing so will only take a 9.0% increase in use, a number that has been exceeded in every single month of 2014. ...

Census Report on Income and Poverty Reaffirms Slow Recovery

On Tuesday, September 16, the United States Census Bureau released a report titled, “Income and Poverty in the United States: 2013.” While the report found that the official poverty rate of the United States decreased in 2013 for the first time since 2006, the number of individuals living in poverty was not statistically different from 2012. This finding follows a trend of slow recovery for America’s working and middle classes. “Historically, the poverty rate has moved up and down with the unemployment rate – when unemployment increases, so does the number of people in poverty,” says DMARC Executive Director Rev. Sarai Schnucker Rice. ...

Choice Options at Bidwell Riverside

This article originally appeared in The Voice Vol. 14, No.3, Aug/Sept/October 2014. Bidwell Riverside Center's food pantry re-opened its doors on May 5, after making renovations to become a choice pantry. The transition allows clients to choose their food items each month, making trips to the pantry more enjoyable and cutting waste. "People seems much happier with this system," said Anne Bacon, Executive Director of Bidwell Riverside Center. "Sometimes they'll come in and see people waiting and feel overwhelmed, but by the time they leave, they're smiling and happy and glad." Bidwell's choice pantry model is a high touch approach. Receiving ...

Plant a Mile 2014

Buy Fresh Buy Local, Rinehart's Family Farm, and Move the Food all came together to harvest 3 tons of fresh produce on Thursday, August 7. The group harvested 5,000 pounds of sweet corn, and an additional 1,000 pounds of tomatoes, zucchini and onions. All of this produce was distributed to Des Moines food pantries the very same day. DMARC thanks Rinehart's Family Farm for their generosity in donating this large amount of fresh produce to families in Des Moines who need it most. We also thank the Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign and all the volunteers who helped with this years' harvest. Full Photo Album on Facebook Go the Distance - ...

Chicken of the Sea Donates $10,000

Chicken of the Sea donated $10,000 to DMARC/Move the Food on Thursday, May 15, 2014. The donation took place during a segment of "Great Day" on KCWI 23. Chicken of the Sea is celebrating their 100th Anniversary, and are travelling the United States donating $1 million to nonprofit organizations. The check was presented by Chicken of the Sea's Senior Vice President Christie Fleming to DMARC's Executive Director Rev. Sarai Schnucker-Rice. The donation of $10,000 supplies nearly 12,000 meals. Canned tuna is an affordable source of protein for meal boxes used at DMARC food pantry locations. Thank You Chicken of the Sea! Watch Thursday's segment of ...

DMARC Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

You are invited! To the Des Moines Area Religious Council's Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, June 10, at 4:00 p.m. at our new location, 1435 Mulberry Street in Downtown Des Moines! Join the celebration, hear from DMARC leaders, witness the ribbon cutting and tour our new facility, including our 6,000 square foot Food Pantry Network warehouse. Please RSVP before June 3 by emailing Linda Vander Hart, or by calling 515-277-6969.

Take Advantage of Two Special Giving Options

From March 1, until April 30, 2014, you can increase your giving impact with two donation matching offers partnering with Des Moines Area Religious Council’s Food Pantry Network. Your goal: to help fill the new DMARC food pantry warehouse shelves! Douglas M. Woods $10,000 “Challenge Hunger” Gift This is the second year that local philanthropist Douglas M. Woods has generously committed to provide 50 cents for every dollar donated to the DMARC Food Pantry Network, up to the first $20,000 in donations. This challenge comes during a season when donations to the food pantry are historically low. Yet, the need for food assistance continues ...

Hy-Vee and Skippy Peanut Butter Sale Benefits DMARC Food Pantry Network

March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, and local Hy-Vee Food Stores and Skippy are teaming up for a food drive to benefit Des Moines Area Religious Council’s Food Pantry Network. The Hy-Vee Skippy peanut butter promotion starts Tuesday, February 25 and runs through Monday, March 3. For every 3 pounds of Skippy sold at Des Moines area Hy-Vee food stores, Hy-Vee will donate 1 pound to DMARC. Last year, 500 jars were donated and delivered to DMARC food pantry warehouse by Des Moines area donors and the Red Barrel collection program of food items in local food stores. WHO-1040AM Radio’s The Van & Bonnie Morning Show will also help ...