Des Moines, IA (May 25, 2026) – The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry and Goodwill of Central Iowa are launching a special initiative this June to help fight summer hunger for Central Iowa families in need.
Food donation collection sites will be hosted at 9 Metro Goodwill stores (see below), and shoppers and people dropping off other household donations are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support the DMARC Food Pantry Network. All of the food collected will go to support the nearly 80k people in the DSM metro that are utilizing one of DMARC’s pantries for some extra help with groceries. “A small donation can make a big difference,” Said DMARC CEO, Kathy Underhill. “Entering the summer months, working families are facing an uphill battle as the cost of everything is going up again. As the last school bell rings, it’s up to community supports like our food pantries to help meet the need.”
Of the 80k people assisted in 2025 by a DMARC Food Pantry partner, over 1 in 3 of those people were under the age of 18. This emphasizes the unique challenges that households with kids face heading into the summer months, as many children depend on access to meals through their school. Some of the most needed food items through this drive are peanut butter, cereal, and fruit (canned in 100% juice). For more information about the food donations we love and the partnership, visit http://www.dmgoodwill.org/.
“Goodwill of Central Iowa is proud to partner with DMARC this summer to help fight hunger in our community,” said Goodwill of Central Iowa President and CEO Mary Hunter. “Summer can be a difficult time for many families, and we know that when our community comes together, we can make a meaningful impact. Every food donation helps support local families and reminds people that even small acts of generosity can make a real difference.” Food Drop off locations will feature a special ‘Red Barrel’ Collection site at the donation door of the following Goodwill of Central Iowa locations – Ankeny 1, Ankeny 2, Altoona, East, Johnston, Jordan Creek, Urbandale, Waukee, and Valley West. To find the address and view a map of donation locations, visit www.dmgoodwill.org/store-locations/.
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About the Des Moines Area Religious Council:
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is an interfaith organization with a mission of working together to meet basic human needs for the greater Des Moines community. The DMARC Food Pantry Network is celebrating 50 years of meeting the need in 2026. DMARC’s signature program is a network of 13 permanently placed and independently food pantry sites, multiple Mobile Food Pantry locations, and a home delivery program that work together to provide a baseline of support to those struggling to meet their household’s basic needs. The DMARC Food Pantry Network is committed to providing a 3-day supply of food to anyone who needs it, where at any of those food pantry locations someone is guaranteed a mix of healthy food options that resemble what you’d find at your local grocery store. Last year, DMARC assisted more than 80,000 people living with food insecurity in Greater Des Moines.
For more information, visit www.dmarcunited.org.
About Goodwill of Central Iowa:
Founded in 1955, Goodwill of Central Iowa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission of “Making Purposeful Employment Possible for All.” Through the sale of donated goods, Goodwill funds employment and support programs that help Central Iowans overcome barriers to work. The organization provides career readiness training, supported employment, skills development, and community-based services designed to build confidence, strengthen abilities, and foster greater independence. Through its network of retail stores, donation centers, and community partnerships, Goodwill of Central Iowa reinvests in local communities by creating opportunities for individuals to thrive through the power of employment.
