DMARC Food Pantry Network Responds to Explosive Growth
Cuts Food Given per Family by 25%
The DMARC Food Pantry Network is announcing it has made changes to the amount of food clients are able to receive each month, effective August 1, 2015. Currently, individuals and families can receive a four-day supply of healthy food once a month. Beginning in August, however, this monthly allotment will be reduced to a three-day supply of food, a decrease of 25%.
The reason for this reduction has to do with the large increase in the number of families and individuals seeking food assistance. June set new usage records, with the ...
June Sees Record Food Pantry Use
The numbers are in, and they are substantial. The DMARC Food Pantry Network served a total of 5,652 families, comprising 14,785 individuals, in the month of June 2015- new all-time record highs in both categories. This translates to respective increases of 27.0% and 21.3%, compared to the month of June 2014. In addition, DMARC served 424 families who said they have never had to use a food pantry before.
What exactly is the cause of this huge increase in use for the DMARC Food Pantry Network?
“The summer months are always a challenge for us – children are out ...
Red Barrel Program Celebrates 25 Years
25 years ago on this day (April 18, 1990), DMARC's Red Barrel Program was officially launched. Today, DMARC celebrates the lasting success of this program by inviting volunteers and partners to our Red Barrel Program 25th Birthday Celebration on Thursday, May 14, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Hans Peterson Concert Inspires
On Friday, March 13, 2015, Singer/Songwriter Hans Peterson held a CD release show for his new album, Every Breath I Sing. The concert was held at Java Joes CoffeeHouse in Des Moines. Hans was accompanied by fellow Minnesotan Linda Breitag on fiddle and vocals.
Hans' songs follow the themes of family, Midwestern life and storytelling, and are influenced by his Nordic heritage. Originally born in an Alaskan village, Hans Peterson now lives in Minnesota on in Mother-in-law's former dairy farm. He and his wife, Heidi, live there with their two boys and various farm ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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 ...
