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By F. Amanda Tugade, Des Moines Register
Curious about what food pantries, community fridges or other resources are available in the Des Moines metro?
Des Moines, IA-Below is a list of organizations in the city and area suburbs that support families and individuals facing food insecurity. This sampling of resources also includes ways to give back.
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What are some other programs or resources that should be listed? Send a message to social justice reporter F. Amanda Tugade at [email protected].
Where can I access food?
- The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) partners with 14 food pantries in the Des Moines metro, four of which are located in the capital city. Hours of operation vary among pantries, and a full list is on DMARC’s website at www.dmarcunited.org.
- Three Des Moines Public Library locations have community fridges: Central Library,1000 Grand Ave.; Franklin Library, 5000 Franklin Ave.; and South Side Library, 1111 Porter Ave. These fridges offer people access to donated food such as dairy, eggs, meat, prepackaged meals or personal toiletries. Other community fridge locations can be found at www.eatgreaterdesmoines.org.
- Hope Ministries offers three free hot meals Monday through Sunday at its cafe, which is connected to the nonprofit’s Bethel Mission men’s emergency shelter, 1310 Sixth Ave. in Des Moines. From Monday through Saturday, breakfast is offered at 7 a.m., lunch at noon and dinner at 5 p.m. On Sundays, breakfast is 8 a.m., lunch at 1:30 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.
How can I help?
- DMARC food pantries accept donations such as peanut butter, whole grain cereal, fruit canned in 100% juice and baby diapers. Monetary donations also are accepted. More information on volunteer opportunities including assisting pantry visitors is online at www.dmarcunited.org/food/most-needed-items.
- Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers to help deliver meals to older Iowans in the Des Moines metro. For more information, visit www.wesleylife.org/meals-on-wheels#volunteer-opportunities.
- The Food Bank of Iowa needs volunteers to sort food, pack donation boxes, drive large vans or help with administrative tasks. To learn more, visit foodbankiowa.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
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