Iowa's Food Banks and Pantries

For this episode we visited our partners at the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food pantry network, where collaboration, data collection, and advocacy are changing how food insecurity is understood and addressed. We hear how local pantries work, who they serve, and why even in a state known for agriculture, one in four Iowans is struggling to access enough food.

This episode also examines how cuts to programs like LFPA and the underfunding of Iowa’s Choose Iowa Purchasing Pilot threaten progress that supports both farmers and families.

Resources

• Food insecurity rises in Iowa; 385,000 residents face hunger

• Iowa SNAP Work Rules

• How SNAP cuts will impact your state

Voices in this episode:

• Helen Bell – DMARC pantry volunteer

• Blake Willadsen – Communications Manager, DMARC

• Luke Elzinga – Policy and Advocacy Director, DMARC and Chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition

Call to Action:

Food insecurity doesn’t start or end at the pantry door. We need policies that address the root causes of hunger — and investments that connect Iowa farmers directly to Iowa families.

• Support organizations like DMARC and the Iowa Hunger Coalition.

• Share this episode to help spark conversations about real solutions to food insecurity.

• Stay engaged as an advocate for policies that value both people and local food producers.