More than $3,800 was raised as part of Fares for Food Day – good for 4,950 meals to be served this giving season.
The money collected on DART buses Thursday, December 11, is being donated to the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network, the largest food pantry network in Iowa with sites in Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale and West Des Moines. Clients receive a four-day supply of food (12 meals) every month, meaning the DART donation will provide more than 400 people with food for one month.
A presentation of the donation is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, at the DMARC, 1435 Mulberry St., Des Moines.
“We are pleased to partner with DMARC to provide for the needs of our friends, family and neighbors – including several who are likely riders of DART,” said Steve Van Oort, Polk County Supervisor and Chair of the DART Commission.
“The donation couldn’t come at a better time. This November, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more individuals than any other time in our 39-year history. We thank DART and all the riders who participated in Fares for Food Day for joining us in our mission to end hunger in Polk County.” said Rev. Sarai Schnucker, DMARC’s executive director.
According to DMARC, in 2013:
- 1,600,000 food items were distributed
- 14,000 different families benefited from its service
- or nearly 34,000 individuals, half of whom were children and youth under 25 years of age.