Food insecurity is an issue both here at Drake and in the Des Moines community. Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) which oversees the food pantry network in Des Moines, recently experienced its busiest day in its history. In October of this year, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted 19,385 unique individuals, a 63% increase over October 2021. There is work to be done around the issue of food insecurity.
During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 12-20, the Drake community has the opportunity to learn more about the issues facing our community, and ways to get engaged to make a difference. Whether it’s through direct service such as delivering food, philanthropic efforts of raising funds or donations, or advocacy and policy work by doing research and talking to policymakers, there’s many pathways to making a difference.
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to a fireside chat on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 6-7pm at Olmsted’s Pomerantz Stage. The Get Fed Up: Fight Hunger Fireside Chat will consist of student, faculty and community partner representatives to talk about the landscape of food insecurity in and around Drake, what’s being done about it, and how others can get involved in the efforts.
The chat will be moderated by Luke Elzinga, Communications and Advocacy Manager at DMARC, and panelists include EJ Wallace, State and Electoral Campaigns Advisor for Save the Children Action Network (SCAN); Erin E. Lee Schneider, Assistant Dean for Student Services at Drake University Law School, and Nachalah Gardiner, student representative of Next Course Food Recovery and Save the Children Action Network (SCAN).
Other events through the week include:
- Thursday, Nov. 17, 6-8pm in the Drake Room. Film viewing and discussion, Next Course Volunteer Open House. Open to all. Learn about issues of food insecurity and volunteer opportunities. Popcorn will be provided. Come and go as you are able.
- All Week – Canned Food Drive. Donation boxes will be setup around campus. Drop off non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items to be donated to the Little Free Food Pantries, the Law School Food Pantry, and DMARC.
- All Week – Volunteer with Next Course Food Recovery to rescue leftover food from the dining halls on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sign up on DUgood.
Learn more at https://www.drake.edu/community/learningservice/upcomingevents/ or contact Amanda Martin, assistant director of community engaged learning, at amanda.martin@drake.edu.
— Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning