DART raises over $4,000 for Food Pantry Network

More than $4,000 was raised on DART’s Fares for Food Day, enough to provide 6,875 meals this giving season.

All cash fares and donations collected on DART buses Thursday, Dec. 10 were donated to the Des Moines Area Regional Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network, in support of the Hunger Free Polk County initiative. The DMARC Food Pantry Network is the largest food pantry network in Iowa with 12 pantries across Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnson, Urbandale and West Des Moines.

“DMARC provides an essential safety net to members of our community, and we’re very thankful for all they do to help fight hunger in Polk County,” said DART Commission Chair Steve Peterson.

“It’s hard to believe there are people in Polk County who struggle daily to get enough to eat. Fortunately, we live in a community that cares and partnerships like the one we have with DART will help Polk County residents meet this basic need,” said DART Commissioner and Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly.

According to the Hunger Free Polk County initiative,
• 54,080 individuals in Polk County struggle each day to get enough to eat
• 1 in 5 Polk County children is affected by the hunger crisis

“On behalf of all the people for whom we provide food, we are so grateful to all the DART riders who shared their fares on Dec. 10. It’s great to live in such a caring community!” said Rev. Sarai Schnucker Rice, DMARC’s executive director.

About DART: The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is the public transportation provider that serves Polk County. DART operates a family of transportation services that makes getting around the Greater Des Moines area easier and more convenient. For more information about DART services, schedules, route changes, or directions to the nearest DART stop, visit the website at ridedart.com or call 515-283-8100. The MyDART Tools, Trip Planner and RideTime App are now available at ridedart.com.

About DMARC: The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization with a core membership of over 130 congregations from four faith traditions. DMARC manages a Food Pantry Network consisting of 12 separate partnering food pantry sites, a centralized food warehouse and numerous community supporters. The DMARC Food Pantry Network is health-based and is the largest food pantry network in Iowa. Food pantry sites are located in Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnson, Urbandale and West Des Moines.