St. Francis Parish - responding to the needs of our community

$42,709 - Raised for DMARC in 2023

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 Network consists of 14 metro area pantries (including Catholic Charities), a mobile pantry system and free home delivery 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” and personal care items. 

In the past two years, food insecurity has increased significantly, with pantry usage at an all-time high.  Since July 2023, DMARC pantries have assisted over 70,000 individuals; an increase of 18% over the prior 12 months.  With recent increases in basic living expenses and limited additional financial assistance, this trend is expected to continue as more and more people utilize a DMARC food pantry - many for the first time. Our parish support is needed now, more than ever before.