Des Moines Area Religious Council / MovetheFood
1435 Mulberry Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-277-6969
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Attention
DMARC Delegates & Clergy:
RSVP now for the March 18th Spring Delegate Assembly
at DMARC's new Mulberry location!
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All congregations and their members are welcome to attend this bi-annual meeting at 7:00pm at the Des Moines Area Religious Council's new location on 1435 Mulberry Street in Des Moines. As part of the evening's program we'll tour the food pantry warehouse and highlight the food donation process and how it travels throughout Des Moines and to the client's kitchen. You won't want to miss this special meeting at DMARC's new facility!
RSVP by Wednesday, March 12th! Call DMARC's office at: 515-277-6969, with number attending from your church and the names of the clergy and delegates.
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Thrilla in the Skillet Latkes Contest Benefits DMARC's Food Pantry Network
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The second annual "Thrilla in the Skillet" knock-down contest to get the Golden Spatula and the unofficial title of "Best Latke in Des Moines" is Sunday, March 9, 2014, 6pm at Tacopocalypse and the Northland Gallery, 621 Des Moines St., in Des Moines, IA 50309. There will be a silent auction for items donated by local businesses.
Tickets: $18 online at https://tikly.co/-/2132 or $25 at the door. Only 100 tickets are available. All proceeds from the event will benefit the DMARC Food Pantry Network and MovetheFood.
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| Take Advantage of 2 Special Giving Options to Benefit DMARC's Food Pantry Network |  |
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 food pantry are historically low. Yet, the need for food assistance continues year-round. As part of the Challenge, your $10 becomes $15, $50 equals $75, and so on. During the "Challenge Hunger" offer, a $10 gift will help provide a week's worth of meals for a family.
The "Feinstein" Foundation & DMARC Team Up to Knock Out Hunger!
In 2013, the Feinstein Challenge resulted in over $99,000 in donations, or about 109,000 meals, designated for the DMARC Food Pantry. This year's goal is $100,000. Each gift or pledge will help boost DMARC' s portion of the $1 Million Feinstein grant which is distributed to all eligible organizations proportionally, based on cash and food pledges and donations received as a part of the "Feinstein Challenge". Consider designating a DMARC food pantry gift or pledge as a match for the 2014 Feinstein Challenge.
One gift can be designated for both challenges. Simply write the word "Challenge Hunger" and/or "Feinstein" on your check or donation card. For online gifts, designate "Challenge Hunger" and/or "Feinstein" in the Additional Instructions field.
If you prefer to pledge a future gift or if you need additional information, contact Development Director Kristine Frakes.
Donate online at: www.dmreligious.org/donate, or mail your donations to: DMARC, PO Box 12278, Des Moines, IA 50312-9405. Phone donations are also welcome at 515-277-6969.
Businesses, congregations, and other groups may download a flyer to post or a bulletin insert from the DMARC website. This is the prime time to contribute to DMARC's Food Pantry Network-gifts will grow to even more food for the hungry in our community!
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The Des Moines Area Religious Council responds to meet basic human needs in Greater Des Moines and Polk County Iowa.
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DMARC does not require participation in religious services as a condition to receive assistance, and does not engage in religious proselytizing or counseling. DMARC practices non-discrimination in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. All services and programs are provided to consumers without discrimination in regard to family size or structure, religious or cultural beliefs, race, gender, age, or disability.
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Don't forget the next two Comparison Project events, they are free and open to the public!
On Wednesday, March 5th, at 7:00pm...
The Comparison Project presents a recently added special event at Drake University in the Cowles Library Reading Room: Achieving Eternal Peace through Non-dualistic View - Buddhist Concepts and Meditation Practices by Arjia Rinpoche, director of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center at Bloomington, Indiana, director of the Tibetan Center for Compassion and Wisdom at Mill Valley, California, and distinguished scholar in residence at Indiana University. Arjia Rinpoche is one of the most prominent Tibetan lamas in the world. At the age of two, he was recognized by the 10th Panchen Lama as the reincarnation of Lama Tsong Khapa's father and the abbot of Kumbum Monastery. Although Rinpoche was forced to work in a Labor Camp for 16 years, he was reinstated as Abbot of Kumbum in 1979 and thereafter advanced in the governmental hierarchy. In 1998, just before he was about to become leader of the Chinese National Buddhist Association, he chose to exile overseas. Rinpoche settled in Mill Valley, California, where he established the Tibetan Center for Compassion and Wisdom. In 2005, he was appointed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as Director of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington, Indiana. In 2010, Rinpoche published his memoirs Surviving the Dragon. Presently, he is constructing the Cancer Care Treatment Center for Mongolian children. (For info, visit www.cancercaretc.org.)
and on Thursday, March 6th, at 7:30pm....
How does one speak the unspeakable, say the unsayable, name the unnameable? How does one subvert the human tendency to become mired in intellectual constructs,  philosophical rumination, and psychological confusion, especially with respect to matters of ultimate concern?
Join us on March 6th, 7:30pm on the Drake University campus in the Cowles Library Reading Room, for a lecture on Names are the Guest of Reality: Apophasis, Mysticism, and Soteriology in Daoist Perspective, by Dr. Louis Komjathy, Assistant Professor of Chinese Religions and Comparative Religious Studies, University of San Diego (Ph.D., Religious Studies; Boston University). He is Assistant Professor of Chinese Religions and Comparative Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. A leading scholar of Daoism (Taoism), Dr. Komjathy examines Daoist uses of "apophatic discourse" and "grammars of ineffability," or the way in which (apparent) negation is central to Daoist approaches. In addition to providing a foundational introduction to Daoism in general and the Zhuangzi (Book of Master Zhuang) in particular, Komjathy will explore Daoist meditation and mystical experience, with attentiveness to representative modes of expression and description.
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 Community Calendar We are pleased to point you to the community calendar on the DMARC website. You may access it at any time. Feel free to upload your own events! Scroll down the calendar page and click "Submit an Event".
Peanut Butter Drive to benefit the Urbandale Food Pantry The Urbandale HealthCare Center's 2nd Annual Peanut Butter Drive is March 3rd-7th with a Hollywood theme. Take all peanut butter donations to 4614 NW 84th St, Urbandale. Silent auction items can be bid on Tuesday, March 4th. A baking contest will be held on Wednesday March 5th, with two categories: desserts and main dishes. Better Choices, Better Health Classes Begin If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, anxiety, these workshops will empower you to take an active role in managing your health. Practical ways to manage with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, set realistic goals, explore new treatment options, and learn effective ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health. This 6-week-long, weekly 2 1/2-hour classes are sponsored by Mercy Medical Center. For more info, email Program Coordinator Rachel Scheib or Administrative Assistant Stacey Clough. Or call 515-643-8632. Classes will be held the following dates and locations: - Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th St., DM, March 6, 1pm
- Iowa Heart Center, WDM, March 6, 6pm
Spring Into Action with CULTIVATE IOWA
 Gary Oppenheimer, founder and executive Director of AmpleHarvest.org will keynote at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid on Tuesday, March 11, 8am-12:30pm. Following the keynote will be a dynamic panel discussion, hands-on demonstrations, exhibits and marerials for you to implement a Cultivate Iowa campaign in your community. For more info, go to: www.cultivateiowa.org. Event is sponsored by the Iowa Food Systems Council. RSVP for lunch at: To reserve your Cultivate Iowa campaign materials, exhibit space and lunch, RSVP today at www.surveymonkey.com/s/GZ3K3VB Are you caring for an aging loved one with cancer?
You are not alone! On Tuesday, March 11th, 5:30-6:30pm or Friday, March 14th 11:30am-12:30pm, presenter Dr. Richard Deming will be here to help at this free Family Caregiver College workshop! They offer free, private duty care services to care for your loved one during the time of the class. Free toolkit provided. March 11th workshop is at Exile Brewing Company, 1514 Walnut St., Des Moines. March 14th location is at The Lodge of Ashworth, 909 Ashworth Rd., West Des Moine. Register by calling 515-333-4257. Please mention if you need HCI ExtraCare Services when you register. Irish Potato Dinner, Friday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. Whether you have Irish roots or not, you will enjoy a delicious baked potato meal with all the fixins', including Irish soda bread! Entertainment will feature the wonderful Foy Irish Dancers, a troupe of young teens with fabulous costumes and exciting folk dancing in the style of Michael Flatly. There will be other Irish flavored entertainment and activities you won't want to miss. Admission is a free-will offering but reservations are an absolute must since space is limited. Call the Grace United Methodist Church office for a reservation 515-255-2131. This event is a fund raiser for missions sponsored by the Win-Sum adult class.  Discount offered to Church Groups
for March 22 Iowa Wild Hockey Game
Discounted tickets are available at $13 and $19 for the March 22, Iowa Wild hockey game at 1pm. Following the game there will be a concert by Matt Baird (Christian singer), for free with a hockey ticket. If your church group is interested in purchasing tickets or needs more info, contact Thomas Weber at 515-564-8730. STUCK? A Workshop for Clergy & Laity to Attend together. Is Sunday morning attendance flat or on the decline? Stewardship not trending in the right direction?The competition on Sunday morning -from youth sports to "everything but church"--If you feel stuck right now--get unstuck by thinking and acting with INNOVATION! March 20, 2014, from 9am-4:30pm. at Plymouth Congregational Church. $75 per person includes lunch. Three from the same congregation $200.Register now! Space limited. call 515 274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org. Facilitator Tom Dinkelman, author and pastor. "What's New Since 1492" This is the title of a presentation to be given by Eugene Fracek for Methodist Federation for Social Action's (MFSA) Spring Statewide Gathering, to be held on Saturday, April 5th, at 10am, at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church in Des Moines. Mr. Fracek, a retired principal in the Des Moines school system, is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He is a story teller and a singer.
Join the 2014 Spring Break Hunger Fight -
One Million Meals Goal!
The Meals from the Heartland annual event will be held at Iowa State Fairgrounds - Elwell Family Food Center March 18-20, 2014. Registration now open. Visit www.mealsfromtheheartland.org. Post Traumatic Growth: An Optimistic View of Trauma
Workshop will be held on March 8, 2014, 8:30am-12:30pm at Unity Church of Des Moines. Presented by Geral Blanchard, therapist and author and Jamie Horn. Therapeutic music by Deb Jennings of Sounds for the Soul. Trauma doesn't need to destroy you. It can be a catalyst for amazing personal growth. From his latest book, "Transcending Trauma," Geral will share inspirational cross-cultural stories of astonishing growth that many trauma "victims" have experienced, thriving after exceedingly painful life situations. Jamie Horn, whose story is featured in his book. She will share her story of sexual abuse by a teacher and how the use of unconventional treatment, including a sacred resorative justice healing circle, helped her experience post traumatic growth. Deb Jennings will present a therapeutic transformative sound session and share how sound healing can play an integral role in post traumatic growth. The workshop will feature common sense recovery strategies. Geral, Jamie and Deb will be available for a limited number of individual consultations in the afternoon. Sign up for these at the morning workshop registration. Workshop fee $35. Unity of Des Moines, 414 31st St., Des Moines, IA.  Palm Sunday, April 24, 3pm A procession for Peace, led by our children and a donkey followed by a prayer service for peace. We will raise our prayers and strengthen our resolve to end the war in Afghanistan, prevent war against Iran, seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Paslestine, Israel, Syria, North Korea and other places and we will insist that "War is not the answer." Procession begins on the Capitol West Terrace and ends at First United Methodist Church, 1001 Pleasant St., where the service will be held. Call 515-782-3054 for questions |
 Need Help Filing Taxes?
Families and individuals who earned $51,567 or less in 2013, may be eligible to receive Free Tax Preparation! You also may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Care Tax Credits. Call 2-1-1 for more information. 211 is free and available 24/7. Or go to: www.internalrevenueservice.tumblr.com for more tax filing tips.
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Faith Community News
Are you wondering: What is "normal" behavior for an adolescent?
If you have ever questioned if your child/grandchild/student/charge is exhibiting the normal angst of a teenager or symptoms of a more worrisome condition, this forum is for you. Dr. Lucy Tirado, is bringing her expertise as a psychologist with Orchard Place in Des Moines on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:30-8:30pm, in the Fellowship Hall (north wing) of Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 206 SW Walnut St. in Ankeny. This forum is hosted by the Mental Health Ministry Team for the metro community out of its desire to help us all understand how to identify and help young people who might be suffering from a mental illness. For further info, contact Jacque Coulson, 515-964-4249 or Jim White, 515-313-3701.
Pink Smoke and the Patriarchal Priesthood is March 7th
 Join us Friday, March 7th, from 4-6 pm, in the Sussman Theater at Drake University for a free screening of the acclaimed documentary on Catholic women's ordination "Pink Smoke over the Vatican". The screening will be followed by a panel discussion of the film and its implications. Panelists include Mary Kay Kusner, a Roman Catholic Womanpriest from Iowa City, Drake faculty and Sister Sandra Rodemyer. Questions? Contact Drake Law, Politics, and Society | Rhetoric Professor John Noble, 308-258-2123.
Come Share the Songs & Prayers of Taizč in Community Worship on March 9th
Mark the beginning of your Lenten Spiritual Journey with a contemplative worship experience featuring lovely meditative chants, music, scripture, and silence. Join us on March 9th, 6pm, at Covenant Christian Church, 2700 72nd St., Urbandale. Musicians Invited! If you are a musician and would like to be involved in making beautiful music for this service, please contact Paul Witmer, 515-240-1653.
Hunger for Justice Workshop is Saturday, March 22
Learn how to move people to make a difference! Join us for an inspirational session with Jen Chapin and local panel members involved in alleviating hunger in our area, on March 22, 2:30-4:30pm, at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave., in Des Moines. Speakers include: Founder and Director of Coalition in Support of Hungry Children Rev. Diana Sickles; DMARC's Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow; Food Bank of Iowa Program Manager Matt Unger; St. Mary's Family Center Food Pantry Coordinator Bernadette Egger; and Children and Family Urban Movement Operations Director Linda Danielson. Moderater Jen Chapin, is a committed and informed activist for food justice. She has served as Chair, Secretary, and long-time Board member of WhyHunger, and worked with the Brooklyn Food Coalition, KIDS Can Make a Difference, and local  and national school food reform efforts. She is also a talented musician and the Jen Chapin Trio will perform at 7:30pm also on Saturday March 22. Help promote this event by downloading an online bulletin insert. Please bring food pantry donations to fill up a Red Barrel.More info at: www.ucdsm.org/concerts. Advance tickets available online: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/497687
The "Hunger for Justice" Workshop is sponsored by the Des Moines Area Religious Council in conjunction with First Unitarian Church and Progressive Voices Concerts. This event is also a service project of First Unitarian's Soul Matters group. www.ucdsm.orgLeadership Alliance Seminar hosts Dr. Steinke in Pella The Vermeer Charitable Foundation and Leadership Alliance invites you to When God does a new thing, what do you do with the old things? Conference with Dr. Peter Steinke on March 31-April 1, 2014, at the Vermeer Global Pavilion, 2110 Vermeer Rd. East, in Pella, Iowa. Consider using this conference as a growth/learning opportunity for leadership teams at your church. Perhaps you could attend with your church council or other staff on Monday, March 31, 7pm, for the free lecture, or if more of your team is available during the day, join the full-day event on Tuesday, April 1. Dr. Steinke serves as a speaker and consultant for churches in crisis and helps them move through change. Advanced registration is $25 by March 25, after that cost is $35, for the Tuesday April 1, 8:30-4pm workshop. Questions? Contact 641-628-3141 or charitablefoundation@vermeer.com.
at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Saturday, April 5th
6:30pm - hors d'oeuvres and wine; program begins at 7:30pm. Keynote speaker, author and Oscar nominee, Jeremy Scahill. Award recipients are Rita Hohenshell (posthumously) and Iowa Chapters of Veterans for Peace. Cost $40 (Don't let $$ be a reason not to attend. Pay what you can). Jeremy Scahill is the author of the best selling The Rise of World's most Powerful Mercenary Army, Nation Books, 2008. Scahill is also a producer, writer and lead character of the film vesion of Dirty Wars. As National Security Correspondent for The Nation, he has reported from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, the former Yugoslavia and elsewhere. Anchor Coffee House Season Continues! Join us at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines on April 5, 2014, for Amy Finders and the Jet Set, beautiful voice, lively mandolin, quick wit. Tickets are $15 at-the-door price.  Attend Holocaust Remembrance Day Lecture on April 27th The Jewish Federation, the four Des Moines area Synagogues, and the Iowa Council for Holocaust Education present a Holocaust Remembrance Day Lecture with Prof. Harold Kasimow, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Grinnell. His lecture on Jewish Theological Responses to the Holocaust, will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2014, 2pm, at Temple B'nai Jeshurun, 5101 Grand Ave., Des Moines. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org. Free to Good Home - Lowrey Festival Console Organ
Former owner had been the organist for her church. Contact Paul Holliday at 515-249-0236. Organ is 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, comes with bench!
Save the Date! The Morning Rises Concert is May 1
Rising Sun Church of Christ will be hosting THE MORNING RISES Tour featuring Aaron Shust, Mike Schair, Jonny Diaz, and Lauren Daigle on May 1. General admission tickets are $15, at: www.risingsunchurch.org. Questions? Contact Office Administrator Kris Wolf, Rising Sun Church of Christ, 515-265-7393.
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Volunteer / Training Opportunities
Volunteer to Teach English as a Second Language - Lutheran Services in Iowa, Des Moines
Do you have a desire to help people from all cultures and
backgrounds gain the skills and tools they need to thrive
in a new country? Volunteer as an ESL teacher and make a
difference! With your everyday knowledge, you can make
a profound difference in the life of a refugee. In return, you
will gain a chance to interact with people from a variety of
countries and cultures, and develop new insights into your
own local community. For more information, contact: Volunteer Specialist Lauren Gentry at, Lauren.Gentry@LSIowa.org or 515-271-7387.
Communication Assistant - Plymouth Congregational Church, Des Moines
Part time - 25 hours per week at Plymouth Congregational. Looking for self-directed individual with excellent organization and communication skills. Primary duties include printing brochures, newsletters, and worship materials, as well as coordinating and producing all elements of church mailings.
Plays an important role in helping build and maintain new website, coordinating and sending email blasts, handling graphic design and layout of newsletters. Knowledge of InDesign and/or Publisher required. Report to Director of Communication. Please send resume and three work samples to pwilkerson@plymouthchurch.com
Business Liaison - Candeo, Johnston
Full time position, requires BA in Marketing, Sales or related field. marketing and sales experience strongly preferred, experience with disabilities preferred, supported employment or training experience preferred. Pay based on education and experience. Full benefits package. Candeo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Visit www.candeoiowa.or/careers to apply or send a resume and cover letter to hr@candeoiowa.org.
Peace-Building Associate - American Friends Service Committee, Des Moines
This is a temporary part-time postion for an energized, creative team player to expand regarding drones warfare and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Solid communications skills, strong research skills, experience with MS Word and Excel, ability to work with diverse populations, ability to work as part of a team, strength in time management and organization skills. $15 per hour, 15 hours per week, from March-August 2014. No benefits. Submit your resume and a 500 word essay telling us why you would like to have this position and what experience you bring to this work that would contribute to your success. Send to Kathleen McQuillen at kmcquillin@afsc.org or call 515-274-4851, x 22. Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. Outreach Center Staff (part-time) - St. Mary Family Center, Catholic Charities, Des Moines We are looking for an individual who loves to help our visitors and volunteers of the Center. This position provides general support to St. Mary Family Center patrons and staff. Assists center coordinator in oversight of volunteers and in managing the delivery, storage and distribution of food and clothing items. Helps organize and monitors donations, food delivery and distribution systems. Required to work the following shift: Mon & Tues 8:30am-4pm (every other Monday the shift goes to 4:30pm) & Wed 8:30am-12:30pm (1st Wednesday of the month 8:30am-5pm) Qualified applicants send cover letter and resumé to: hr@dmdiocese.org, Human Resources, Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
Volunteer - St. Mary Family Center, Des Moines
St. Mary Family Center needs volunteers in the afternoon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or both! Learn how you can get involved. Email Bernadette. Part-time Shelter Staff, St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter, Des Moines
Looking for meaningful, compassionate work? Night Owls please apply! We are currently recruiting for overnight part-time shelter staff positions. Able to work two overnight shifts per week, including weekends and holidays. The shift busy and active from 10pm-8am. Help meet the needs of shelter guests, keep case notes and client records, maintain shelter site, participate in staff meetings, work cooperatively with family advocate in familes' case plans. Submit applications to jr@dmdiocese.org or Diocese of Des Moines, Human Resources, 601 Grand., Des Moines. Director of Youth Inspiration and Christian Education - Immanuel United Methodist Church, Des Moines
Seeking a high energy, dynamic person for full-time position with an anticipated compensation range of $35,000-$40,000 based upon the person's qualifications. Immanuel's vision is "In Christ, live a life of love, service, and prayer." Send application and resume by March 1, 2014, to the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, 2900 49th St., Des Moines, IA 50310, or sprc@immanueldsm.org. For more info regarding Immanuel United Methodist Church, go to: www.immanueldsm.org.
Leading Congregations through Conflict to Transformation
Begins Feb. 21 at 1pm, ends Saturday, Feb. 22 at Noon.
Topics include: Attitudes toward Conflict, Intro to Systems Theory, When Criticism Comes, Managing Yourself in Conflict, Interpersonal Peacemaking Skills, Congregational Responses to Conflict, Healthy Habit for the Future. Cost is $95/person; $250 for three members of same congregation. Training materials from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Institute, Online Calm and Storm Profiles and Friday night supper. Contact Center at 515-274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org. Facilitators: Kay Kinkel and Diane McClanahan bring together their training at the Lombard Peace Institute.
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Who are we?
The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization with a core membership of over 130 congregations from four faith traditions. Recipient of the 2012 LIVE UNITED Advocate Award from the United Way of Central Iowa, DMARC provides a common means of responding to basic human needs and a context for interfaith dialogue.
The DMARC Food Pantry Network consists of 13 separate pantry sites, a centralized warehouse, and numerous community partners. It is the largest food pantry network in Iowa. Pantry sites are located in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and nine sites in Des Moines. In 2013, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more than
34,000 individuals in the greater Des Moines community; half who are children and youth.
MovetheFood is a DMARC-led initiative to address the entire food system in Greater Des Moines, building on more than 37 years of the Food Pantry Network, catalyzing fresh generations, and engaging new constituencies to further support a vision for a day when everyone in Polk County has enough to eat.
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