St. Francis has a long-standing history of supporting those in need through our affiliation with the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC). Established in 1976, the DMARC Food Pantry Network is the oldest and largest food pantry system in Iowa. The DMARC Food Pantry Network consists of 14 metro area pantries (including Catholic Charities), multiple mobile food pantries, and a free home delivery program for those unable to travel to a pantry site.

Once per month, families and individuals can receive a free three-day supply of nutritionally balanced food. They can also visit a pantry on any day to receive additional anytime food.

In the past two years, food insecurity has increased to unprecendented levels, with pantries struggling to keep their shelves stocked. In the past year, DMARC pantries have assisted 29,600 households and over 75,500 unique individuals; one-third of whom used a food pantry for the first time, and 1 in 3 of those assisted were between the ages of 0-17. With the recent increased in basic living expenses and limited financial assistance, this trend is expected to continue. Our parish support is needed now, more than ever before.

Cash Donations Increase Your Giving Impact

While food donations will always be important for the support of our pantries, cash donations can do even more! Working with food wholesalers and other sources, DMARC is able to acquire 2-6 times more food with your donated dollars.