As grocery prices soar, the Des Moines Area Religious Council reports record demand for food assistance, serving over 30,000 people in September alone.
DES MOINES, Iowa — As grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, more families are turning to food pantries for help putting meals on the table. The Des Moines Area Religious Council said demand for food assistance reached a record high in September — serving more than 30,000 people.
Blake Willadsen, DMARC’s communications director, said families are increasingly worried about how they will afford basic necessities, including food and gas.
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“We’re certainly hearing a lot of stories from folks who are getting a lot of anxiety about what things [are] going to look like for their household at the end of the month, at the end of the week,” Willadsen said.
As more people seek assistance, DMARC is also facing higher costs to meet that demand. Willadsen said the increase affects not only how much food the organization needs to distribute, but also the cost of purchasing food to keep its pantries stocked.
Despite those challenges, community donations and support help DMARC continue serving families while making the experience as welcoming as possible. Willadsen said the organization wants people who visit its pantries to feel respected and maintain their dignity during what can be a difficult time.
One resident, who asked not to be identified, said rising grocery prices have forced her to make compromises when shopping, choosing necessities over items she wants.
“We go to the grocery store and it feels like you bought the people’s behind you groceries too because things are so expensive today,” she said.
She said financial hardship can affect anyone, regardless of income and emphasized the importance of having food pantries available when families need help. However, as the holiday season approaches, DMARC is preparing to serve more than 1,400 people through its Thanksgiving meal program.
“This work is not possible without the support of volunteers,” Willadsen said. “So if you want to be able to make a difference this year, the easiest thing you can do is go volunteer at your local food pantry.”
