Food Pantries
Polk County is proud to partner with the Food Bank of Iowa and the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) to operate the River Place Food Pantry and the Northside Food Pantry. Once per calendar month, individuals and families in Polk County can receive a three-day supply of healthy, nutritional food and other essential non-food items. Food is distributed solely to those in need without income being a consideration.
River Place Food Pantry: 2309 Euclid Avenue, (515) 286-3695
Open M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Northside Food Pantry: 3010 Sixth Avenue, (515) 286-2220
Open M-F: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Starting August 1, 2021 hours for the Northside Food Pantry will change to:
Open M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
DMARC Delivery Service: DMARC is offering a delivery service to the most vulnerable in the community. If a client is unable to obtain food by either coming to the pantry or using a proxy, then they can call for delivery. DMARC asks that only those with health, transportation or other mitigating circumstances use this service. Clients can call 1-833-DMARC-20 (1-833-362-7220) toll free. This number is staffed by trained volunteers and staff from 9:00 a.m. - Noon, Monday through Friday. Deliveries are on a first come first served basis, capacity will depend on the number of volunteers available. Food will delivered to the client's doorstep the next business day between 9 a.m. and Noon using a no contact delivery method.
Interested in Volunteering at the Food Pantry?
Polk County's Food Pantry Sites are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Volunteers will help clients with selecting a 3 day supply of healthy, nutritious food. Volunteers are asked to work a 2-3 hour shift.
Food Pantry volunteers should be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a criminal and child and dependent adult registry check. The Food Pantry also welcomes corporate/church groups wishing to volunteer. Due to the size of the Pantry, we ask that groups limit their size to 3-4 individuals per shift.
If you are interested in volunteering, fill out an application. Volunteers will also be asked to provide a copy of their driver's license or other photo identification. Once you application has been approved someone from the Food Pantry will contact you.
Food Pantry Contacts
River Place Food Pantry, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines
Nancy Andreas (515) 286-3695 or E-Mail
Northside Food Pantry, 3010 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines
Josh Evans, (515) 286-2220 or E-Mail
Feeding America estimates that more than 55,000 people in Polk County identify as food insecure. One in five children go hungry every day, as do one in eight adults.
