At Catholic Charities, we understand that hunger can overshadow everything. Before individuals can address other challenges, basic nutritional needs must be met. That’s why the Catholic Charities Food Pantry is dedicated to providing essential support, going beyond just addressing immediate hunger to help clients overcome various life obstacles.
More Than Just a Meal: Comprehensive Support for Those in Need
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry is a proud partner of the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network and collaborates with the Food Bank of Iowa. This strong network allows us to efficiently and effectively serve individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community. Recognizing that needs extend beyond just food, our pantry also offers vital personal hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, infant formula, and even pet food, ensuring we cater to a wide range of household necessities.
Convenient Pantry Hours:
We are here to serve you during the following hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
For any inquiries, please call us at 515-262-7290.
Open to All: The Free Food Window
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry operates a Free Food Window during our regular business hours, welcoming anyone in need without questions asked. Through this window, we distribute fresh, nutritious items like seasonal produce, milk and other dairy products, rice, and Meals from the Heartland, all based on availability. Additionally, we ensure a daily supply of baked goods, including bread and pastries, thanks to our generous community partners. Our commitment to food rescue further enhances our offerings, allowing us to distribute rescued food items through collaborations with various local organizations.
Our Valued Food Rescue Partners:
- A&E Dairy
- Capital City Fruits
- Costco
- Hy-Vee
- Kum & Go
- Panera
- Walmart
Emergency Food Boxes: A Three-Day Supply
For families facing acute food shortages, the Catholic Charities Food Pantry provides emergency food boxes. Eligible families can receive a free three-day supply of food once a month. These boxes are thoughtfully packed with staples such as peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, meat, and eggs, complemented by fresh produce whenever possible. The quantity of food is adjusted based on family size to ensure adequate support. Furthermore, we strive to assist families with young children by providing diapers and formula as available.
To locate the pantry that serves your specific area, please utilize the helpful DMARC mapping tool or contact DMARC directly at 515-277-6969 for assistance.
Supporting the Catholic Charities Food Pantry: Join Us in Making a Difference
Volunteers: The Heart of Our Food Pantry
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry thrives on the compassion and dedication of our volunteers. Our team of 90-100 selfless individuals are the backbone of our operations, enabling us to extend our reach and enhance the care we provide to our clients. Volunteers play crucial roles in various aspects of the pantry, from assisting clients with “shopping” for their monthly food boxes and preparing daily food bags, to participating in food rescue efforts and providing general support wherever needed. We are continuously seeking compassionate individuals to join our volunteer team and contribute to making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
“I’ve been coming to the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry for 20 years and I love it. This is a great place to be and if you are in need of any help, this is a great place to come.”
– Nancy, Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry Client
Become a Volunteer
The Growing Need: Hunger Statistics in Our Community
The reality of food insecurity is stark. According to Feeding America, an alarming 1 in 9 individuals in Iowa, totaling 344,550 people, are currently facing hunger. This includes a significant number of children, with 110,500 kids experiencing food insecurity. Unfortunately, food insecurity continues to be an escalating concern within our community, emphasizing the critical role of the Catholic Charities Food Pantry.
Increased Demand: A 34% Rise in Daily Clients
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry has witnessed a significant surge in demand, with a 34 percent increase in the number of clients we serve daily compared to the previous year. This underscores the growing reliance on our services and the increasing need within our community.
Expanding Reach: A 45% Increase in Monthly Clients
Further highlighting the escalating need, the Catholic Charities Food Pantry has also experienced a 45 percent increase in clients seeking assistance on a monthly basis compared to the prior year. This substantial rise demonstrates the widening scope of food insecurity and the expanding role of our pantry in addressing this critical issue.
615,401 Pounds of Food Rescued and Distributed
Last year alone, thanks to our food rescue initiatives and generous partnerships, the Catholic Charities Food Pantry successfully rescued and distributed an impressive 615,401 pounds of food to individuals and families facing hunger. Food rescue not only allows us to combat food waste within our community but also significantly bolsters our capacity to support and uplift our valued pantry clients.
You Can Directly Impact Lives: Donate Today
Are you looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the fight against hunger in our community? Consider donating essential personal care items to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry clients! By shopping from our convenient Amazon Wish List, the items you purchase will be shipped directly to our Food Pantry, ensuring they quickly reach those in need.
*Important Note: The Catholic Charities Food Pantry is unable to accept clothing donations at this time. We gratefully accept only NEW socks and gloves as clothing items. Thank you for your understanding and generosity. *
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry operates in full compliance with the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement. You can review the complete statement here: https://www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement
Get in Touch
Tom Leto
Program Manager, Food Pantry
Tom Leto, Program Manager, Food Pantry at Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Monday- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
1815 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316
515-262-7290
