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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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: ...
DMARC Announces Two New Mobile Food Pantries
DMARC is pleased to share that it will receive two new Mobile Food Pantries, thanks to the generosity of Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt and Variety - the Children’s Charity, who have provided funds to pay for the truck and trailers and the cost to retrofit both mobile pantries. The Partnership for a Hunger-Free Polk County will cover the remaining costs of the operation and DMARC will operate them and provide the food for both mobiles.
The new mobile pantries will help children in the greater Des Moines community, thanks to the collaboration and partnership with ...
Stamp Out Hunger 2018 Was a Huge Success!
On Saturday, May 12, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) held their 26th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive across the nation, and the DMARC Food Pantry Network was the local beneficiary of the food drive in the greater Des Moines area.
That Saturday, letter carriers around the metro collected food donations from mailboxes and doorsteps, which were brought back to their local post offices, and then transported to the East Grandstands' Hall of Law and Flame at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
All together, 63,402 pounds of food were collected during Stamp ...
Our Statement on H R 2
The Des Moines Area Religious Council supports a bipartisan Farm Bill and opposes some proposed changes to SNAP which are included in the House Republican Farm Bill (H R 2), specifically those having to do with expanding the existing work requirements and eliminating categorical eligibility. While we do not oppose work requirements in theory, we believe the proposed changes will do more harm than good.
The truth is, most SNAP recipients who are able to work DO work – only 14% of all families receiving SNAP benefits in Iowa’s third congressional district as of ...
Diaper Drive Rocks Thanks to “33 and 1/3 Year Anniversary” Event
On Friday, April 20, 2018, DMARC supporters Carl and Susan Voss held a "33 1/3 Year Anniversary" event, along with a diaper drive to benefit DMARC! The Voss' know that SNAP dollars do not cover diapers - and that they are a huge need in our community.
Attendees submitted their favorite albums and a DJ was available to play them. The album covers served as name tags. Attendees also made contributions to DMARC's diaper fund.
In total, the event raised $993.33 for DMARC, enough to purchase 6,785 diapers!
Thank you, Carl and Susan, for your incredible support of ...
