Every day, families across Greater Des Moines face a quiet struggle - putting fresh, healthy food on the table. For parents working multiple jobs or living paycheck to paycheck, nutritious meals can feel out of reach.
Thanks to a Variety Grant in 2024, the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is helping change that story - one refrigerated van ride at a time.
With funding from the Variety Grant, DMARC purchased a refrigerated van that keeps perishable foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins safe as they travel to 14 food pantries and mobile sites across Polk County. This enhanced “cold chain” ensures that every apple, carton of milk, and package of chicken arrives fresh, preserving not just food - but dignity, health, and hope.
“When we guarantee the cold chain, we’re not just preserving food - we’re preserving futures. Every child who gets a healthy meal because of this van is a step toward breaking the cycle of hunger in our community.”
Rebecca (Becky) Whitlow - DMARC’s Food Pantry Network Director
Each trip of the refrigerated van carries roughly 1,000 pounds of perishable food - enough for a three-day supply of healthy meals for about 80 households. With multiple deliveries each day, that’s thousands of pounds of fresh food reaching Iowans weekly.
And for Santana, a mother doing her best to provide for her little ones, it’s a lifeline.
“Living paycheck to paycheck gives little room for a good warm meal every day. Being able to have a little buffer room for food is a Godsend. Thank you for your donations and kindness.”
More than 26,000 children in Greater Des Moines experience food insecurity each year. Because of Variety’s support, thousands of those children now have more consistent access to nutritious meals that fuel their growth, learning, and well-being.
Providing food is only part of the story. This work is about families finding stability, children building stronger futures, and communities coming together. Together, Variety and DMARC are ensuring that every child has a chance to thrive - with fresh, healthy meals and the hope of a brighter tomorrow.
About Variety's Grant Program
Each year, children’s nonprofits from across the state of Iowa have the opportunity to apply for grants to support program funding related to Variety’s mission of caring for children. Variety – the Children’s Charity provides funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver care, treatment, activities, and shelter to children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, and living with special needs.
Variety primarily funds brick and mortar projects, equipment, and other tangible items that directly impact children. Administrative needs (i.e., staffing, salaries, office space, etc.) and other intangibles are not considered for funding.
Through partnerships like the one with DMARC, Variety continues to make a lasting difference for Iowa’s children - helping ensure every child has the chance to be healthy, cared for, and full of hope.
