The DMARC Food Pantry Network has seen a consistent rise in usage since early 2022, as the end of pandemic era benefits, record inflation, and growing cost of living have forced more and more people to seek out a food pantry for the first time.
Busting Hunger Myths
Do Pantry Visitors Want to Work?
One of the most common misconceptions about the people we assist through our food pantry network is that they are too lazy or unwilling to seek out employment. But when you look at the makeup of who is actually eating the food DMARC provides, the vast majority of support is going to people who are employed or are not able to work because of their age (children or seniors) or the barriers they face when living with a disability.
4 out of 5 people helped by the DMARC Food Pantry Network is a minor, a senior, working a job, or living with a disability. And for the vast majority of those who are actively unemployed are experiencing a ‘bump in the road’ from an unexpected job loss or major expense. Nearly half of everyone we assist will only utilize a food pantry once or twice a year.
A little makes a big impact. There’s been times where we have come here with nothing at home and been able to work it out one day at a time because of the pantry. I really appreciate everyone here.
Michele, Urbandale Food Pantry Visitor
| January 2026 – demographics | |
|---|---|
| Children (0-17 years old) | 35% |
| Young Adults (18-24) | 10% |
| 25-59 | 41% |
| seniors (60 or older) | 15% |
Last Year at a glance…
2025 overview
- Most people assisted in one year
- Nearly half the people getting food only utilized the pantry once or twice a year.
- 29,592 households were assisted
77,082
individuals assisted
321,987
Total pantry services (includes repeat visits)
1 IN 4
Des Moines residents utilized the DMARC Food Pantry Network
1,100+
people assisted on an average day.