The Outreach Program Donates 100,000 Meals to Local Organizations
Meals to benefit Des Moines Public Schools, Des Moines Refugee Support, Joppa, DMARC, and the Iowa National Guard Warrior & Family Services Branch
As food insecurity across metro Des Moines continues to rise, The Outreach Program donated 100,000 meals to local organizations this month, reinforcing its commitment to fighting hunger and supporting neighbors in need. The meals benefit Des Moines Public Schools, Des Moines Refugee Support, Joppa, the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), and the Iowa National Guard Warrior & Family Services Branch.
This distribution reflects The Outreach Program’s mission to provide nutritious meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Through local partner organizations, The Outreach Program ensures meals reach those who need them most, including students, refugees, families facing hardship, and Iowa’s service members and their families.
“These organizations play vital roles in meeting essential needs throughout our community,” said Floyd Hammer, co‑founder of The Outreach Program. “By collaborating with trusted local partners, we are able to make a meaningful impact here at home while continuing to advance our larger mission.”
“For many of the students and families we serve, food insecurity is a daily reality that directly impacts attendance, focus, and long‑term success,” said Jenn Stalder, Elementary & Secondary SUCCESS Supervisor for Des Moines Public Schools. “This generous donation from The Outreach Program will help ensure our students and their families have access to nutritious meals during times of significant challenge, allowing students to focus on learning and staying on track to graduate. When basic needs are met, students are better positioned to succeed in school and beyond.”
The meals were packed by partner organizations and volunteers during one of several community meal‑packing events supported by The Outreach Program. These events bring together individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to turn compassion into action—empowering volunteers to make a tangible difference while strengthening community connections.
This local impact is part of a broader global vision. The Outreach Program is on track to pack one billion meals by the end of 2026, a significant milestone that underscores its commitment to addressing hunger both locally and around the world over two decades. Each meal packed and donated moves the organization one step closer to that goal.
