L-R: Patty Sneddon-Kisting, Executive Director, Urbandale Food Pantry; Tara Kramer, DMARC food pantry visitor and volunteer; Matt Unger, Chief Executive Officer, DMARC; Michael Sirois, Inventory/Warehouse Associate, DMARC; John McPhee, Warehouse Manager, DMARC. Photographer: Duane Tinkey.
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: DMARC is an interfaith organization with a mission of meeting basic human needs for Greater Des Moines. Last year, our Food Pantry Network assisted nearly 40,000 people in the community through our 14 partner food pantries and two dozen mobile food pantry sites. We provide equitable access to a guaranteed supply of healthy food.
Q: What do you love most about Greater Des Moines?
A: Greater Des Moines is an incredibly generous community. Whether it’s through monetary gifts, food drives, Red Barrel donations, planned gifts, event sponsorship, service on a committee (like our young professionals’ group), or volunteer time, our community has always stepped up to help us meet the need.
Q: What is a fact about yourself others may not know?
A: This year, DMARC is celebrating our 70th anniversary of serving Greater Des Moines. We have a rich history of community collaboration and assisted in the formation of other nonprofit organizations, including Oakridge Neighborhood, Hospice of Central Iowa (now EveryStep) and Eat Greater Des Moines.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: In addition to providing food through our Food Pantry Network, we advocate for policies that will reduce food insecurity and shorten the line at our food pantries. We also work with diverse faith communities from across the religious spectrum to foster interfaith dialogue and co-host an annual Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp.
100 Army Post Road | Des Moines, IA 50315 | (515) 277-6969 | www.dmarcunited.org
