About the pantry

What we offer

You may visit us once per month to receive food and personal items. At each visit, you’ll receive:

  • A three day supply of food; the amount of food you receive is based on the size of your family. We offer a wide array of culturally appropriate and nutritionally balanced food, including fresh produce when it’s in season.

  • Hygiene products such as shampoo and conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, period products, and diapers (as available).

  • Household care products, such as toilet paper and laundry soap (as available).

You’re also welcome to visit our anytime food area once per day. Our anytime food area is stocked with perishable items such as fresh bread and is available during our regularly scheduled hours on a first come, first served basis.

Who qualifies

You are welcome here! We’re here to extend a helping hand, no matter the circumstances. There are no income qualification requirements for you to receive pantry items.

We treat every visitor with dignity and respect. We embrace you for who you are, regardless of family size or structure, religious beliefs, cultural background, national origin, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

What to bring

The first time you visit, please provide a form of identification for every member of the family. This identification should include your name, date of birth, and your address. We use this for our own internal record-keeping; no proof of citizenship is required to receive services.

After your first visit, you can check in by sharing your name; no other identification is required.

What to expect

We make your visit experience simple! When you arrive …

  1. A volunteer will check you in and explain how to shop and how many items you’ll receive based on your family size.

  2. You will shop for the items that meet your family’s needs. We know no two families are the same, and we want you to choose which items are right for you!

  3. You may optionally visit our clothing closet.

Want to donate to the pantry?

Last year, we gave away 823,595 pounds of food. Check out our Donations page for more information about how to help.

Our mission at DMARC is working together to meet basic human needs for the greater Des Moines community - and that includes everyone. We strive to provide healthy, culturally appropriate food through our Food Pantry Network and welcome all those who need assistance, no matter their circumstances. We make every effort to treat each visit to our food pantries with dignity and respect.

DMARC is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate based on the basis of family size or structure, religious beliefs, cultural background, national origin, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.