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 ...
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 ...
Groups Host CSA Fair Promoting Fresh Produce for Healthier Hearts this Valentine’s Day Weekend
Six CSAs* will connect with potential members this coming Saturday at the Campbell’s Nutrition CSA fair presented by Greater Des Moines Buy Fresh Buy Local, Eat Greater Des Moines, and Iowa Heartland Resource Conservation and Development. The event aims to provide people the opportunity to meet with farmers directly, to learn more about CSAs, and to ask questions to help them choose a CSA that best fits their specific needs and lifestyle. “The CSA Fair is a great way to learn more about CSA options around the area and talk directly with each producer. Each CSA has ...
DMARC Will Help More People
The DMARC 1435 Mulberry Initiative is a non-traditional, fast-track $1.3 million capital campaign. The project will support the property purchase and renovation of 1435 Mulberry Street, as well as equipment and furnishings and food inventory to stock the warehouse.
The 1435 Mulberry Campaign will help DMARC provide more services and food for more people in more places.
Goals are to strengthen and stabilize the emergency food system, enhance and equalize access to nutritional food, and improve community health in Greater Des Moines/Polk County, Iowa. In addition to ...
Eat Greater Des Moines Announced as Finalist in Far Reach’s Nonprofit Tech Project Contest
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa—Far Reach, a Cedar Falls-based technology and marketing firm, announced that Eat Greater Des Moines is a finalist in its Operation: Make a Difference contest. Eat Greater Des Moines has the chance to have software built by Far Reach for free.
The winner will be determined by the public—the project with the most votes at 11:59 p.m. on February 14 will be declared the winner of Operation: Make a Difference. Voting is on Far Reach’s Facebook page, and individuals can vote once every 24 hours. The winner will be announced on Facebook February 17. ...
DMARC Takes Big Step in Faith
Take the first step in faith.You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
For the first time in its history, the Des Moines Area Religious Council has a permanent home.
On Monday, January 20, 2014, DMARC opened its new offices and Food Pantry Network warehouse at 1435 Mulberry Street in Des Moines, Iowa.
Purchased in July 2013, the renovated 9,000 square foot building has been designed specifically for DMARC. The property is situated in the Western Gateway development area, with easy access from Interstate ...
The Path to 1435 Mulberry Street
By Kristine Frakes, Development Director
Beginning in late 2010, and over the course of the next thirty (30) months, a site search committee of the Des Moines Area Religious Council visited dozens of commercial warehouses, office buildings, and other facilities. The goal was to relocate to an affordable space that would be suitable for existing programs and allow DMARC to grow in service to the community.
It soon became apparent that the committee was tasked with a daunting challenge. The spaces available for lease generally were unsuited to DMARC’s needs. And, in ...
Governor Declares Religious Freedom Day at January 16th Ceremony
Religious Freedom Day was declared by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for the state of Iowa on January 16th. DMARC's Executive Director Rev. Sarai Rice (center right) participated in the ceremony at the capitol building on January 16th. An article by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains details: Iowa Governor Declares 16 January Religious Freedom Day in His State.
Kiwanis say “Goodbye” to old and “Hello” to DMARC’s new Food Pantry Warehouse
Local Kiwanis clubs were invited to a special ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2014, honoring their commitment and support to DMARC’s Food Pantry Network.
In 1986, Des Moines area Kiwanis (approximately 12 clubs) built a warehouse at 36th Street to house the food pantry warehouse.
Today's Des Moines area Kiwanis groups include:
West Des Moines Kiwanis
Kiwanis Club of Johnston
Kiwanis Miracle League
Kiwanis Club of Des Moines (downtown)
Ankeny Kiwanis
Northwest Kiwanis Club
Golden K Kiwanis
Urbandale Kiwanis
After a brief celebration and ...
Watch Our Renovation Progress at 1435 Mulberry Street!
On Monday, January 20, 2014, the DMARC Food Pantry Network warehouse officially opened for business at 1435 Mulberry Street in Des Moines. The DMARC offices opened January 21st at the new location.
The 36th Street property was purchased by the Revival Center Church of God in Christ. They will be re-purposing the old warehouse for their congregation's programing as well as making the upper floor of the offices into a sanctuary again.
Thank you for your continued support during our relocation!
January 8, 2014
New 'gently used' furniture was donated to the offices ...
