Free Food Resources for Iowans

The number of people experiencing food insecurity has been rising fast. On Nov. 1, more than 267,000 Iowans who rely on SNAP benefits to help with food costs didn’t receive their benefits. With that in mind, I wanted to put together a list of resources for people who need help finding free food. Food isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, and I want to help those in our community who are struggling.

If you know of any local businesses or restaurants offering free meals or food assistance that should be added to this list, feel free to DM me at @chloeontheair or email me at chloetyson@iheartmedia.com.

Free hot meals

• Hope Ministries: Offers three meals a day at their cafe, which is part of the Bethel Mission men’s shelter at 1310 Sixth Ave. in Des Moines. Meal times are consistent Monday through Sunday, with a slightly different breakfast time on Sundays.
• Connection Cafe at St. John's Lutheran Church: Offers free lunch Monday through Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 600 Sixth Ave. in downtown Des Moines.
• Central Iowa Shelter and Services: Offers free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1420 Mulberry St. in Des Moines, along with other services like showers and a food pantry.

• El Jefes Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Combo meal with rice and beans—either 2 tacos (beef or chicken), 2 enchiladas (beef or chicken), or 2 burritos (beef or chicken). Ask for the "Community Meal." Every Monday in November from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Roni’s Mac Bar: Kids 12 and under eat free until SNAP benefits are restored, starting Nov. 1.
• Sweet Oaks Bakery + Bistro: Chicken tender meal with fries for 1 adult or 1 family
• Taco John’s: Beef or bean burrito with a side of Potato Oles. Ask for the “Community Special.” Available at Carroll, Sheldon, Cherokee, Newton, and Davenport locations only.

Food pantries and distribution

• Food Bank of Iowa: Provides food to local pantries and runs its own programs, including mobile and school pantries. Use the "find food" tool on their website to locate nearby resources.
• Animal Lifeline Thrift Shop: Has a human food pantry inside the shop, stocked by donations. Located at 3304 SW 9th St., Des Moines. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Community Fridges: Publicly accessible fridges with donated food. Locations include Des Moines Public Library (Central, Franklin, and South Side branches) and on The Supply Hive's website.
• DMARC Food Pantries: A network of 14 food pantries across the metro area. Find a location and hours on the DMARC website.
• Des Moines Public Schools: Expanding pantry hours for students and families starting Nov. 3
• The Pet Pantry: Iowans experiencing financial hardships may be eligible to receive five consecutive months of pet food and supplies from The Pet Pantry. To apply for assistance, visit the pantry from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays at 4944 Franklin Ave. in Des Moines.

Other resources

• 211 Iowa: Call or text 211 for referrals to a wide range of services, including food assistance.
• Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA): Offering free rides to food pantries, meal sites, and meal programs across Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren Counties during the government shutdown. Call 1-877-686-0029 or visit website to request a ride.
• Feeding America: Use the "need help" tool on their website to find local food banks and pantries.
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Find information on how to access food through this program via Iowa.gov. 

Ways to Help

• DMARC Food Pantries: Accept donations of items like peanut butter, whole grain cereal, fruit canned in 100% juice, and diapers for kids ages 4 to 6. Monetary donations are also welcomed. You can help by assisting pantry visitors or with other tasks.
• Meals on Wheels: If you have some free time and want to help meals on wheels are looking for volunteers to deliver meals to older Iowans in the Des Moines metro.
• Food Bank of Iowa: Need volunteers for a variety of tasks, including sorting food, packing donation boxes, driving vans, or helping with administrative work.
• Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH): Deer hunters can donate your harvest to help feed those in need. HUSH is a partnership between meat processors, the Food Bank of Iowa, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.