Resource Directory

The Family Help Guide is designed to help you locate community resources and support services across central Iowa. The amount of information and resources available in our community can be overwhelming to access, we can help you navigate the search. This directory includes resources and information about the people and programs available in your area to support and empower you. 

Note: Distances are approximate.

Displaying locations 1 - 75 of 196

One of Iowa’s oldest and most trusted non-profit organizations has a new name. HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa is now called EveryStep. EveryStep provides a range of services in 47 counties across the southern half of Iowa.

Our people and programs provide support and education to young moms; assistance to immigrants and refugees; wellness services to communities; in-home care to people who are ill, injured or facing the end of life; and compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.

Interpreters Available:

  • Spanish
  • Phone interpretation available

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:30

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Innovative grief support services that promote hope and healing to individuals, children, and families. Ranging from dinner club gatherings for young adults, to opportunities to attend local events, Amanda the Panda engages participants in activities that promote socialization and help individuals, children, and families rebuild after the death of a loved one.

Eligibility:

Children (Kindergarten and above), teens, and adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. Childcare is available for younger children upon request.

Interpreters Available:

Interpretation available

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The North Des Moines Community refrigerator is located at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.  Community refrigerators are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

The refrigerator is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Payment:

No cost to participant

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Community refrigerators are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

The Sweet Tooth Farm Community Refrigerator is located at parking lot of HOME Inc.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

The community refrigerator is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The Central Iowa Office maintains lists of local AA meeting groups to provide connection to services for those looking to address their alcohol use.

  • Answer enquiries about AA.
  • Maintain information about local hospitals and recovery facilities for alcoholics.
  • Local AA meeting lists.
  • Newsletter about local AA events.

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Contact the 24-hour helpline at 515-282-8550, or visit the website to find upcoming meetings.

Hours:

Meetings offered at various times throughout the week, at multiple locations in Central Iowa. Helpline answered 24/7.

Website: Visit Website


The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

  • More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
  • Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
  • Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available.

Handicap Accessible: Yes


The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

  • More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
  • Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
  • Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes


The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

  • More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
  • Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
  • Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Handicap Accessible: Yes


The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

  • More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
  • Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
  • Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Handicap Accessible: Yes


The Office of Ombudsman serves as an independent and impartial agency to which citizens can air their grievances about government. By facilitating communications between citizens and government and making recommendations to improve administrative practices and procedures, the Ombudsman promotes responsiveness and quality in government. The Ombudsman has authority to investigate complaints about Iowa state and local government, with certain exceptions. The Ombudsman attempts to resolve most problems informally. Following an investigation, the Ombudsman may make findings and recommendations and publish a report.

  • Investigate a complaint against an agency, official or employee of Iowa state and local government independently and impartially, and in a confidential manner, to the extent possible as provided by law
  • Work with an agency to attempt to resolve a problem when an investigation shows that the agency has acted contrary to law, unreasonably or unfairly, or has made a mistake
  • Make recommendations to agencies for administrative or policy changes, when appropriate
  • Make recommendations to the Iowa General Assembly for legislation, when appropriate
  • Answer questions relating to government or refer a person to suitable agency or entity for answers

Eligibility:

Open to all individuals.

Intake Process:

Contact by letter, telephone, TTY (teletypewriter), fax, e-mail, or visit the office in person.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Mailing Address:

1112 East Grand
Des Moines, IA 50319

Payment:

No cost to participant.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The Drake Legal Clinic allows students the chance to gain practical experience by working with actual clients. The clinic also serves the community by helping those who might not otherwise have access to legal assistance.

Drake Legal Clinic has several clinical programs that offer legal assistance to clients including:

  • Children’s Rights Clinic
  • Criminal Defense Clinic
  • Entrepreneurial/Transactional Clinic
  • General Civil Practice Clinic
  • Refugee Legal Clinic
  • Wrongful Convictions Clinic

Eligibility:

Eligibility varies by clinic. Many clinics take referrals directly from court appointment only, view the website for details about specific eligibility requirements for each clinic.

Intake Process:

Call 515-271-3851 and follow the prompts for the clinic you wish to speak with, or email  law-clinic@drake.edu. Please note the Legal Clinic cannot answer legal questions or provide legal advice if you are not a current client. Due to their call volume, they are unable to return every call they receive.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 – 4:30 pm. The Legal Clinic is closed to the general public. All visitors must have an appointment in advance. The Legal Clinic does not accept walk up inquiries.

Payment:

Self Pay, Sliding Scale

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) is part of a national network of protection and advocacy systems established in the 1970s by the U.S. Congress to respond to repeated abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities in large institutions. They are an independent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation funded through contributions, corporate and foundation funding, and grants from the Federal Government. They use federal funding to serve people with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and other disabilities. DRI advocates for the rights of Iowa citizens with disabilities regardless of the setting they live in.

DRI envisions a world in which individuals with disabilities and mental illness have equal access and opportunity to live, work, and learn in the most integrated settings. Each year, DRI allocates limited funding to designated areas of focus to capture the needs of as many Iowans with disabilities as possible. DRI looks to the community to provide insight into their needs and adjusts their Areas of Focus to reflect that.

Disability Rights Iowa’s areas of focus:

  • Abuse & Neglect
  • Community Living
  • Guardianship Alternatives
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Accessibility
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Prisons & Jails
  • Assistive Technology
  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Voting

Eligibility:

Individuals with a disability or mental illness with a disability rights issue.

Intake Process:

Call or email for details. You may also fill out an online form on website.

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available.

Hours:

Live Intake phone hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

In-Person new intake hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 – 11:30 am; 12:30 – 2:00 pm.

Payment:

No cost to participants.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website

15

Statewide

Phone 515-992-8161 | Fax 515-244-5525


The Iowa Department on Aging’s Legal Assistance Program serves individuals aged 60 and older by providing legal advice and representation; information and education; and referrals in civil legal matters throughout the state. The program’s role is to identify legal problems and legal service needs of older Iowans and adults with disabilities, with priority given to those who are most vulnerable due to social and/or economic circumstances.

To meet this goal, the Department works with the six Area Agencies on Aging to contract with legal service providers across the state and increase the quantity and quality of legal assistance available to older Iowans and adults with disabilities. Common legal problems concern housing, consumer fraud, debt collection, elder abuse/exploitation, Social Security/SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, discrimination, guardianships/conservatorships, advanced directives, and wills/estates.

The Iowa Legal Assistance Program also provides individual and group technical assistance to legal service projects conducted by the Area Agencies on Aging, legal assistance providers, and others. It also provides community outreach to help older Iowans and adults with disabilities understand their rights, exercise choice, and benefit from services and opportunities.

  • Legal hotline

Eligibility:

Iowans aged 60 and over.

Intake Process:

Call 515-282-8161 or 1-800-992-8161.

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Hours:

Office hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

 

Phone hours:

Monday – Wednesday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Thursday 9:00 – 11:00 am

Friday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Payment:

No cost to participant

Website: Visit Website


Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization providing critical legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Iowans who have nowhere else to turn. Along with volunteer lawyers throughout the state, Iowa Legal Aid helps the legal system work for those who cannot afford help with legal issues.

Iowa Legal Aid and volunteer attorneys help the legal system work for those who cannot afford help with legal issues. Typical cases involve problems with basic necessities, fundamental rights or safety, including:

  • Protecting victims of domestic violence
  • Preventing illegal evictions and unsafe housing
  • Securing income support such as SSI, Medicaid and disability benefits
  • Preventing consumer fraud and abusive debt collection practices

Eligibility:

Iowa Legal Aid is able to help a limited number of low-income Iowans each year. Please contact Iowa Legal Aid for specific eligibility requirements.

Intake Process:

  • Apply online at Iowalegalaid.org
    • Applications available in English and Spanish
  • Call the hotline at 800.532.1275
    • Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 am or 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, except Thursday afternoon
  • If age 60 or over call the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans at 800.992.8161

Hours:

Office hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Phone hours:

Monday – Wednesday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Thursday 9:00 – 11:00 am

Friday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Payment:

Sliding Scale

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Legal Aid Society of Story County is a non-profit corporation, formed in 1974 to provide legal assistance in civil matters to families who cannot afford to hire an attorney in private practice.

Legal Aid of Story County works with individuals in the areas including, but not limited to:

  • Civil Protective Orders (for Domestic, Sexual or Elder Abuse)
  • Dissolution of Marriage
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Visitation
  • Will
  • Power of Attorney
  • Paternity
  • Guardianship
  • Conservatorship
  • Debtor/Creditor
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Unemployment Benefits Appeal
  • Social Security Appeal

Legal Aid of Story County does not provide legal representation in criminal matters, driving violations, juvenile matters, or cases that could generate a fee for a private attorney.

Eligibility:

Basic eligibility guidelines requirements are:

  • Must be a resident of Story County, Iowa
  • Have income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • Have the type of civil case handled by the Legal Aid Society of Story County
  • Must not present a conflict to the office

Please contact Legal Aid of Story County to see if your case is eligible.

Intake Process:

Fill out online intake form on Legal Aid Society of Story County’s website.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Payment:

Sliding Scale, Self-Pay

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Amani Community Services offers free domestic violence and sexual violence services for African Americans.

  • Outreach
  • Individual Counseling
  • Advocacy
  • Legal assistance
  • Information & Referrals

Eligibility:

Any individual who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
After hours crisis calls: 888.983.2533

Payment:

No Cost to Participant

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website

19

Statewide

Phone 800-779-2001


Iowa Compass connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.

  • Information and referral for the following service types:
    • Assistive Technology Services
    • Educational Supports
    • Employment Services
    • Facility-based Services
    • Financial Assistance
    • Individual Supports
    • Information/Helplines
    • In-home Services
    • Living Settings
    • Networking
    • Recreation
    • Transportation

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

You may get in touch with Iowa Compass by phone (800) 799-2001, e-mail, text, chat, in-person, or by mail. If you reach the answering machine, please leave a message.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The Good Samaritan Food Pantry provides food and personal care items. The pantry also supplies weekend food packages to students in local schools. During the holidays, a Thanksgiving meal is available as well. Clients can shop for food once every 30 days. Food allotments are based on family size and are approximately 5-7 days worth of food. Clients can pick up “anytime food” more than once a month if available from local food rescue.

GSFP partners with Adel Ministerial Alliance, local churches and businesses, civic organizations, Food Bank of Iowa and area residents to provide supplemental food for those with need. The Good Samaritan Food Pantry (GSFP) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization.

  • Food Pantry
  • Personal Care Items
  • Anytime Food (food rescue)
  • Backpack meals (school district)
  • Thanksgiving Feed-a-Family program

Eligibility:

Residents of the ADM School District, the Van Meter School District, Dexter, Linden and Redfield.

Intake Process:

Provide a photo ID for the head of household and other identification for every member of the family. Some pantries may request a current piece of mail which includes your name and primary address.

Located in the old Adel Middle School Lunchroom. Please enter through the blue door on the NE corner.

Hours:

Monday & Tuesday 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

4th Monday of the Month 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Mailing Address:

PO Box 141
Adel, IA 50003

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website

22

Statewide


Little Free Pantries are community based food boxes that can be accessed by anyone to donate food, or find food. They are often located in the yards of individuals and businesses. The food in the box changes throughout the day and is based on the donations of members of the community. The Little Free Pantry website hosts a mapping feature to locate Little Free Pantries in the community.

  • Non-perishable items

Eligibility:

Anyone can access Little Free Pantries.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. Food in the Little Free Pantry is free for anyone in need.

Website: Visit Website


Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during library hours.

Website: Visit Website


Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during City Hall hours.


Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during City Hall hours.

Handicap Accessible: Yes


Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during City Hall hours.


Community refrigerators are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

The refrigerator is located behind the CYC building. There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during library hours.

Handicap Accessible: Yes


Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during library hours.

Website: Visit Website


Helping Hands Warren County provides a community refrigerator at the Indianola Public Library. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during library hours.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Helping Hands Warren County provides community refrigerators throughout Warren County. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during library hours.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Helping Hands Warren County provides community refrigerators throughout Warren County. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Open during Milo Locker’s normal business hours.

Website: Visit Website


Helping Hands Warren County provides a community refrigerator located at the New Virginia Public Library. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during library hours.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The Helping Hand of Warren County offers a food pantry, as well as a clothing closet with furniture and household items. Warren County residents can access the pantry once a month. Emergency food is available on open pantry days as well.

The Helping Hand of Warren County also helps stock community refrigerators in Warren County.

  • Food pantry
  • Clothing closet
  • Furniture
  • Household items

Eligibility:

Residents of Warren County.

Intake Process:

Identification showing residence in Warren County. If an ID can’t be provided a limited amount of food will still be given.

Hours:

Tuesdays 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Thursdays & Saturdays 9:00 – 11:00 am

Payment:

No cost to participants

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Helping Hands Warren County provides a community refrigerator at Truro Public Library. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

  • Perishable food items
  • Non-perishable food items

Eligibility:

There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.

Hours:

Can be accessed during library hours.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Food pantry open to residents of Atlantic in Cass County. Two weeks worth of food provided. Seniors permitted one visit per month, all others may visit up to six times per year. Exceptions may be granted in emergency situations. Proof of residence required.

  • Food pantry

Eligibility:

Residents of Atlantic, Iowa.

Intake Process:

Provide a photo ID for the head of household and other identification for every member of the family. Some pantries may request a current piece of mail which includes your name and primary address.

Hours:

Thursdays 12:30 – 3:00 pm or until all available food is distributed.


Bidwell Pantry operates a Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food panty. People seeking assistance can visit one of the DMARC food pantries to receive a three-day supply of food once per month.

Bidwell Pantry has additional daily food items available. Bidwell Pantry also provides clothing, and household items. All services are first come, first served.

  • DMARC Food Packages
    • Three-day supply of food available once per month
  • Daily food items
    • Bread & pastries
    • Extra Produce
    • Meals From the Heartland
    • Other food donations
  • Clothing
  • Toiletries/personal hygiene items (when available)
  • Diapers, wipes, formula, baby food (when available)
  • Household items (when available)

Eligibility:

Open to anyone. Bidwell is a no-boundary pantry.

Intake Process:

Provide identification (ID) for the head of household.  ID types are flexible, see the website for forms of ID. If possible, please bring identification for each member of the household. If you are unable to provide an ID, a limited amount of food is available.

Appointments are not necessary, please check in when you arrive.

 

Hours:

Food & Clothing Pantry Hours:

Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

*Last check-in is at 4:45 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Caring Hands is a network of Christian Churches and community partners serving eastern Polk County. A food pantry is available and can be used once per week.

 

  • Food pantry
  • Thrift Store

Eligibility:

Serves anyone living in Southeast Polk school district, Bondurant school district, Pleasant Hill, and Altoona

Hours:

Food Pantry hours are Monday -Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am – 11:00am by appointment only.

Thrift Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Knock and Drop Iowa is a non-profit organization designed to bridge the gap between the underserved and disadvantaged in our community with the resources available. One of their main goals is to stop hunger by gathering food and providing them to those in need. Knock and Drop Iowa is funded by community support and donations. Knock and Drop Iowa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization citizen group providing leadership and ongoing support for comprehensive community-based action to improve the quality of life in Des Moines and it’s surroundings. Knock and Drop provides a food pantry with culturally specific foods for the Latino community. Volunteers of the pantry speak Spanish.

  • Food Pantry
  • Culturally specific foods for the Latino community

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Pre-registration not needed. No identification required. Knock and Drop will collect basic demographic information at the pantry.

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Hours:

Wednesdays 3:30 – 6:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


This is a Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food panty. People seeking assistance can visit one of the DMARC food pantries to receive a three-day supply of food once per month. Pantry open hours vary. Please visit dmarcunited.org/food/pantry-locations for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • A 3-to-4-day supply of food

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Provide a photo ID for the head of household and other identification for every member of the family. Some pantries may request a current piece of mail which includes your name and primary address.

The DMARC Food Pantry Network offers a food pantry delivery service in the Greater Des Moines area. If a person is unable to obtain food by either visiting a food pantry location or by using a proxy to pick up food for them, they may call to request a delivery. DMARC asks that only those with health, transportation, or other mitigating circumstances use this service. Call 1-833-DMARC-20 (1-833-362-7220) toll-free to request a delivery between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon, Monday – Friday. Requests for delivery are taken on a first-come first-serve basis. Food will be delivered to the person’s doorstep with a no-contact drop-off the following business day between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

1st Saturday of the month 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

  • Food Pantry & Anytime Shelves
  • Utility Assistance
  • Personal Hygiene Pantry
  • Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
  • GRASP
  • Nature Pass
  • RAYS
  • Project H20

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

  • Food Pantry & Anything Shelves
  • Utility Assistance
  • Personal Hygiene Pantry
  • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
  • Nature Pass
  • RAYS
  • Thrive

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Creative Visions Human Development Institute was founded in 1996 to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth in Des Moines. Creative Visions Human Development Institute provides programs and services which work to stabilize family units and empower communities. Creative Visions Human Development Institute is accredited with the Iowa Registry of Non-Profit Accountability having adopted the Iowa Principles and Practices for Charitable Excellence to govern its operations. This designation means that Creative Visions is recognized for its strict adheres to standards of transparency and accountability in its program governance.

Creative Visions has partnered with the Food Bank of Iowa to provide a food pantry. The food pantry’s goal is to provide healthful and nutritious food to area families in need.

  • Food Pantry
  • Food hotline referral service
  • Community meals (Our Daily Bread)
  • Sunday meal
  • Job readiness program

Intake Process:

Contact Creative Visions to determine availability of food boxes. Individuals who do not live in the area can call the food hotline referral service at 515-244-4003 to locate food pantries in their area.

Hours:

Office hours:
Monday -Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Our Daily Bread: Monday – Thursday 1:30 – 7:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Eastside Church of the Nazarene operates a food pantry in conjunction with the Food Bank of Iowa.

In addition to the regular food pantry, they serve as a pantry site for Des Moines Public School (DMPS) through the Food Bank of Iowa. Serving families with students from Philips Elementary School, Willard Elementary School, Hoyt Middle School, Brubaker Elementary School, Stowe Elementary School and Pleasant Hill Elementary School.

  • Food box with 3-4 days supply of food
  • Personal items vary

Intake Process:

The pantry operates on an appointment basis from 9: 00 am until 10:30am on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. To make an appointment, please call the church office (515-265-6000) at 9:00 am on Tuesday or Thursday and schedule a pickup time.

DMPS school pantry operates on Thursdays from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

Bring a photo ID and a proof of residence (your recent utility bill or other business mail with your name and address) to the appointment. Identification of the members of your household should also be provided.

Hours:

By appointment only for Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Website: Visit Website


Eddie Davis Community Center is located in Valley Junction in West Des Moines. The community center offers services such as a food pantry, meal site, and clothing closet.

  • Food Pantry
  • Clothing Closet
  • Community Meals
  • Computer Lab
  • Legal Referral Clinic
  • Library
  • Health & Fitness

Eligibility:

Serves individuals and families in Polk, Dallas, Warren, and Madison counties.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Eternity church offers a mobile food pantry that travels to other locations in the Des Moines metro throughout the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Tuesday’s mobile food pantry is located at the corner of 4th street and Euclid Avenue
Wednesday’s mobile food pantry is located at 2600 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
Friday’s mobile food pantry is located at 314 East Army Post Road

  • Mobile Food Pantry

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Hours:

Mobile food pantry operates Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the locations listed above.

Website: Visit Website


St. Theresa Catholic Church operates a supplemental/emergency food pantry out of their church office. They offer a variety of fresh, frozen, canned, and packaged food, along with personal care products. Eligible households can access the pantry once per month. St. Theresa Food Pantry is a Food Bank of Iowa member agency.

  • Food Pantry
  • Personal hygiene items

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Park in the semi-circle drive accessed off Merle Hay Road, in front of the church.  The church office is located north of the church. After you park, head north across the driveway and take the diagonal sidewalk to the church office door. Ring the doorbell to be served.

No documentation is needed to receive food.

 

Hours:

Monday – Wednesday:  10am – 1:45pm
Closed holidays, holy days, and weather-related St. Theresa School or church office closings

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website