DMARC Statement on the Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death
Today marks one year since George Floyd was murdered. In the days and months that followed his tragic death, our nation, state, and local community have seen some of the largest protests and calls for racial justice in decades, demanding action and systemic change. Individuals and organizations across the country are finally reckoning with the racism that has afflicted our country since its founding - racism that has held a pervasive grip on our society even to this day.
At DMARC, we have been taking a hard look at our internal and external practices and asking oursel...
Partner Profile: Bidwell Riverside Center
Families Forward - Bidwell Pantry (formerly Bidwell Riverside Center) has been feeding people on the south side of Des Moines for 128 years, and has been at its current location at 1203 Hartford Avenue since 1948. Bidwell was an original founding partner pantry of the DMARC Food Pantry Network when it was established in 1976.
“We provide the building, and the community provides everything else,” said Missy Reams, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager at Bidwell Riverside Center.
Bidwell was originally founded by United Methodist Women, and until about ten ...
Staff Spotlight: Nisha Kishor
Nisha Kishor is the Volunteer & Outreach Manager at DMARC. Nisha grew up in Wichita, Kansas and moved to Kentucky in high school. She attended the University of Kentucky where she earned a BA in Political Science and International Studies. After school she taught English in South Korea for one year.
Nisha just moved to Des Moines in August 2020 and is looking forward to meeting new people and getting to know her new home. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, and spending time at home with her husband Ashish.
What drew you to DMARC originally, and ...
Volunteer Spotlight: Ann McGonegle
How long have you been volunteering with DMARC?
I believe I started in the fall of 2016.
What do you do as a volunteer with DMARC?
I’d say I’m a mobile girl. I’ve always been a mobile girl with the guys. And I just kind of like the mobiles, I’ve been at various sites throughout the community and they’re all unique and different. It’s kind of cool that you bring the food to the people.
How often do you volunteer?
It used to be a couple times a month when I first started, and now I’ve turned into a twice-a-week person.
Can you describe your ...
Meals From The Market Starts Up Again this Saturday
Those interested in volunteering with Meals From The Market can sign up online at dmarcunited.org/volunteer.
Join DMARC for Our Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 20, 6:00-7:00pm
via Zoom
You're invited! Join DMARC for a virtual annual meeting on Thursday, May 20, 6:00-7:00pm.
Learn more about our work over the past year and how we adapted and stayed flexible in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear from DMARC staff, pantry partners, faith communities, and volunteers.
Receive an update on our advocacy and interfaith efforts.
Help us recognize our outstanding volunteer of the year and outgoing board leadership.
Find out more about how you can stay involved in our work.
DMARC has moved away from ...
Commemorating 45 Years of the DMARC Food Pantry Network
We have grown to occupy 9,000 square feet of warehouse space with pallet racking and walk-in coolers and freezers, employ a staff of 17 people, manage a fleet of six vehicles, and assist over 58,000 unique individuals on an annual basis.
Whenever our community has faced a crisis, DMARC has stayed flexible and risen to the challenge to provide food in innovative new ways, from the gas crisis of the 1980's, to the flood of 1993, to the Great Recession, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity does not only exist during these crises, however, and we have ...
Staff Spotlight: Patrick Minor
What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then?
Originally, DMARC moved into the building next to my apartment. I had never heard of the organization before. I was working as a regional minister for young adults in my church, until the position lost its funding. Then, a neighbor at the time, John Robinson, the former Red Barrel coordinator, posted a job listing for a warehouse associate at DMARC. I started researching the organization and was amazed to discover the amazing work that was happening just across the street from me. As a minister and ...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jerry Wylie
Why should others consider volunteering with DMARC?
It's an easy way to help others in need while getting some exercise and spending time with family or friends.
Interested in learning more about how you can volunteer your time and talents with DMARC? Visit our Volunteer page or contact Volunteer and Outreach Manager Nisha Kishor at nkishor@dmarcunited.org.
DMARC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa Relaunch Refuel Station
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa (BGCCI) are relaunching the “Refuel Station” this week, a mobile food pantry specifically designed to cater to children. The Refuel Station was originally launched in April 2019, but operations were suspended in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are grateful for our partnership with DMARC, which allows us to continue meeting the critical needs of our Club members and their families,” said BGCCI Chief Executive Officer Tony Timm. “We look forward to seeing the ...
