Frequently Asked Questions
- What does DMARC stand for?
DMARC is an acronym for the Des Moines Area Religious Council. We are an interfaith organization that was established in 1952.
- Is DMARC a food bank?
No, DMARC operates a Food Pantry Network. Food banks are organizations in all 50 states that operate under the umbrella of Feeding America. Food banks service other organizations, including DMARC. About 20% of our food is obtained from the Food Bank of Iowa.
- Is DMARC a food pantry?
Not quite. DMARC operates a Food Pantry Network, partnering with organizations across the metro area to provide them with food free of charge and managing a common database system. We operate a centralized warehouse to bring food in from donors and wholesalers and send food out to our partner pantries. The DMARC Food Pantry Network has been in operation since 1976.
- Is DMARC involved with the Partnership for a Hunger Free Polk County?
Yes. DMARC is a stakeholder and recipient organization to funds raised by the Partnership for a Hunger-Free Polk County. Thanks to their help, we now have additional warehouse space, expanded pantry hours, additional staff, and the Mobile Food Pantry.
Visit the Partnership for a Hunger Free Polk County for more information.
- Where is the closest food pantry?
The DMARC Food Pantry Network has 15 locations throughout Greater Des Moines.
- How much food are pantry visitors able to receive every month?
Every month, pantry visitors may receive a three-day supply of nutritionally balanced food, dependent on family size. Additionally, visitors may come any day the pantry is open to receive emergency supplemental food items, fresh produce, bread products, and staple food items like rice, dried beans and Meals from the Heartland and Outreach, Inc. meal packets.
- What does a typical food pantry visitor look like?
The truth is, there is no typical pantry visitor. We provide food to children, older adults, young families, immigrants, refugees, students, veterans, single mothers, homeless individuals, and moderate-income families who are facing any number of crises. Our policy is if you need food, we are here to help.
- What is the eligibility to receive food?
There are no income guidelines to receive food from the DMARC Food Pantry Network. If you bring an ID, you can receive our monthly supply of healthy food. If you don’t have an ID or aren’t willing to share it, you can still receive a limited amount of food.