Fares For Food Day To Benefit Des Moines Area Religious Council's Food Pantry

For one day during this giving season, all cash collected on DART buses will be donated to the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network.

DART’s Fares for Food Day will be held Thursday, Dec. 11. DART riders can make donations of their standard boarding fares ($1.75 for Local, $2 for Express, and $3.50 for Flex and On Call). Additionally, people who typically pay with passes or employer IDs can make cash donations of any amount that day.

“For one day, we’re once again turning the fare boxes into donation boxes,” said Steve Van Oort, Polk County Supervisor and Chair of the DART Commission. “Funds raised in 2013 were good for nearly 24,000 meals and we hope to again help provide for our friends, family and neighbors in need.”

All proceeds will benefit the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network, the largest food pantry network in Iowa with sites in Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnson, Urbandale and West Des Moines.

“Riding the bus is always a great way to get around Des Moines, and we’re thrilled that on Dec. 11 you can ride the bus and provide food for hungry people at the same time,” said the Rev. Sarai Schnucker, DMARC’s executive director. “We hope everyone gets on board!”

According to DMARC, in 2013:
• 1,600,000 food items were distributed
• 14,000 different families benefited from its service
• or nearly 34,000 individuals, half of whom were children and youth under 25 years of age.

A presentation of the donated money is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the DMARC, 1435 Mulberry St., Des Moines. For more information, please visit www.ridedart.com or call DART Customer Service at 515-283-8100.

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 www.ridedart.com or call 515-283-8100. The MyDART Tools and Trip Planner are now available at www.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.