Photo: Urbandale Food Pantry
(Des Moines, IA) -- The Urbandale Food Pantry has seen a 68% increase in demand this year. Director Patty Sneddon-Kisting says they're averaging 1,400 people a month at their facility at 7611 Douglas Avenue. She says the numbers are rising because of inflation and the rollback of benefits when the state's COVID Health Emergency Proclamation expired. The Urbandale Food Pantry is open to all residents, not just those who live in Urbandale.
She says there's concern about the current demand and future demand in the fall and winter.
The Urbandale Food Pantry is hosting a benefit bike ride called Pedal for the Pantry, August 28th.
Participants can choose from three routes, (14-miles, 25-miles or 35-miles or participate virtually. Registration is $30.
Sneddon-Kisting says for those who wish to support the pantry in other another way, she suggests volunteering, dropping off an extra food item, or monetary donation.