The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread the joy than by supporting those in need? Locally, there are several food drives and organizations that are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a warm and nourishing meal during this special time of year. Whether you’re looking to donate or volunteer, the following are five food drives in Iowa that could use your support this holiday season and beyond.
Eat Greater Des Moines
A regional nonprofit that connects individuals and organizations to eliminate food insecurity, Eat Greater Des Moines is the perfect food drive in Iowa to support this year. By aiding its efforts, you can contribute to the mission of providing sustainable, nutritious food to those who need it most. In addition to monetary donations, stop by one of the community fridges to make a food donation. The fridges are a public site where volunteers can simply drive up, place items in the fridge and go. Items must be sealed, labeled and dated. There are fridges located all across Iowa, and you can find one near you here. For more information, visit eatgreaterdesmoines.org.
Hope Ministries
Des Moines
Dedicated to providing shelter, food and support to individuals experiencing homelessness, Hope Ministries is hosting a food drive in Iowa. This holiday season, you can help by contributing to the Provide a Thanksgiving Meal and More campaign, ensuring those less fortunate can enjoy a warm and hearty Thanksgiving feast. The donation is $2.02 and will help provide over 30,000 Thanksgiving dinners. For more information, visit hopeiowa.org.
Food Bank of Iowa
Des Moines
The Food Bank of Iowa’s Make the Holidays Hunger-Free program is all about bringing warmth and nourishment to families in need during the holiday season. You can donate funds online to provide meals to those struggling with food insecurity, making it easy to spread the holiday spirit across Iowa. In addition to monetary donations, Food Bank of Iowa is also looking for packaged food that must be unopened, unsoiled and has its original packaging. Donations can be dropped off at the Des Moines Distribution Center on 17th Street Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit foodbankiowa.org.
Urbandale Food Pantry
Urbandale
The Urbandale Food Pantry serves the community by providing essential groceries and support to those in need. It accepts both monetary and food donations, making it easy for you to make a difference in your local community during the holiday season. Much-needed food items include meals in a can, peanut butter, cereal, rice, pasta, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and side dishes. These items can be donated at the food pantry on Douglas Avenue, Monday to Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit urbandalefoodpantry.org.
Table to Table
Iowa City
A volunteer-driven food rescue organization, Table to Table collects surplus food from local food donors and distributes it to nonprofit agencies that serve the hungry in Johnson County. If you’re looking for a hands-on way to give back this holiday season, consider volunteering with Table to Table or making a monetary donation. Volunteer duties include traveling and delivering on food rescue routes, prepping food rescue vehicles or helping with reception and office tasks. For more information, visit table2table.org.