In the bustling Des Moines metro, a remarkable phenomenon unfolded in November. The network of food pantries witnessed an unprecedented surge in visitors, surpassing even the pre-pandemic levels of need. This significant milestone has brought to light the challenges and efforts of these essential services in meeting the growing demands of the community.

"Des Moines Food Pantries: Breaking Records and Facing Challenges"

Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) had its busiest day ever, assisting nearly 1,500 people. Now, they are averaging this number almost daily. With 14 food pantry sites, a Mobile Food Pantry, and home delivery service, DMARC is the largest food pantry network in Iowa. Last month, an astonishing nearly 30,000 unique individuals visited their pantries, marking the highest monthly total in the 50-year history of the network. This November, they set a new record, beating the pre-pandemic levels.Blake Willadsen, the Communications Manager, described the new level of need as straining their existing budget deficit. "We've got a line out the door when we open, and a line out the door as we're trying to close," he said. "On a day-to-day basis, it feels like we're setting a record every single day." The "sheer amount of stress" this demand puts on volunteers is forcing some to take longer breaks or even step away from volunteering altogether.

Increasing Demands and Adjustments

We are seeing people come more often and larger household sizes. These factors are adding up, and there is no one specific reason but a cumulative effect. While DMARC continues to ensure a healthy, three-day supply of food, they have had to make adjustments. Certain items like culturally-specific foods have been cut back, and items like pet food, diapers, and formula are funded by donations. "We've had to use donations in different ways to try and make those food items stretch a little bit further," Willadsen said.Nearly one in three people serviced are under the age of 18, and the November visitor numbers were the highest monthly total in the organization's history. Willadsen attributes the rise in numbers to inflation and rent going up while wages have remained stagnant. Nearly one in three people asking for help at a DMARC food pantry are there for the first time.

Comparisons with Other Pantries

DMARC is not the only one facing unprecedented levels of need. In September, the Cedar Rapids food pantry, Together We Achieve, announced an emergency fundraiser. They needed to raise $50,000 in a week to stay afloat, and they managed to raise $44,820 with half coming from an anonymous donor. That same week, Olivet Neighborhood Mission in Cedar Rapids closed its doors due to demand outpacing available resources.Food pantries are often more accessible than government programs like SNAP. The federal application asks for a lot of information that many do not have readily available. DMARC food pantries have no income or residency requirements and are open to anyone in need.

Visitor Patterns and Donation Requests

Less than 50% of visitors use the food pantry more than once or twice a year. Most people only need help for the short term. More than 46% of visitors used DMARC pantries only once or twice a year. People facing unexpected expenses, such as a broken ankle or a torn winter coat, turn to food pantries.DMARC requests that supporters make direct donations rather than donating food. With the same amount of money, the organization can buy up to six times more food. More options to support DMARC are available on their website. They are also advocating for Iowa to join the federal Summer EBT program, which provides money to families with children over the summer months to help them buy food. DMARC believes that giving families the choice to buy the food they need is crucial.Gov. Kim Reynolds declined to join the USDA program known as SUN Bucks and proposed her own plan to provide families with monthly food boxes. The USDA denied funding for that program, but Reynolds plans to pursue it again under the incoming Trump administration. The deadline for Iowa to opt in to Summer EBT is Jan. 1, 2025.