Local Food at DMARC: A Holiday Season of Impact and Community

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is dedicated to ensuring that local, fresh produce is available for the thousands of individuals and families they serve across their food pantry network in the Des Moines metro area. This holiday season, DMARC, an Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) partner, is making a remarkable impact, working with local growers and producers to supply healthy food options at their 14 area food pantries. By prioritizing local foods, DMARC is providing healthier options to their clients, and helping to strengthen Iowa’s local food economy.

This year, DMARC was proud to receive a $10,000 matching grant through the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot Program. The grant, part of a pilot program aimed at supporting locally-grown food systems, has made it possible for DMARC to bring even more locally-produced items to their pantry shelves. This effort not only provides more nutritious choices for pantry clients, but also emphasizes the value of supporting Iowa farmers. As Blake Willadsen from DMARC put it, “This is a win-win for Iowans—connecting local producers with families in need and showcasing the incredible benefits of locally-grown food.”

The holiday season is often the busiest time of year for food pantries. As DMARC continues to experience record levels of need, with an average of 1,200 individuals served daily, their commitment to providing local food is more important than ever. Through initiatives like the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot grant, DMARC is working to ensure that everyone has access to fresh, healthy food—especially during this time of giving and celebration.

To learn more about DMARC’s work and how you can get involved this holiday season, visit dmarcunited.org. Together, we can make this season a time of abundance and community for everyone in Iowa.