Eastside Church of the Nazarene - Mercy Ministry Food Pantry of Des Moines, Iowa

Eastside Church of the Nazarene is reaching out to those in our nearby community who are facing a food emergency. In order to effectively help many families and individuals in need of food assistance, the Church Board has adopted the following policy and procedures. 1. People who are currently living in the 50316 or 50317 zip code areas may receive assistance for emergency food. Food Pantry assistance is available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings only. 2. Assistance is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. There will be NO WALK INS. You must call the church office, 265-6000, at 9:00 AM on Food Pantry days to make an appointment. Calls received for the Food Pantry on the answering machine will not be returned. 3. We are able to assist a limited number of families each Tuesday or Thursday. If our appointments fill up, you may be asked to call back on the next Food Pantry day. All appointments are made on a first call, first served basis. 4. Some personal information will be requested during the phone call. Food boxes will be prepared according to the information given. Each box will contain a variety of food items to cover meals for approximately 3-4 days. Some non-food items may be available as we have the opportunity to purchase them. 5. Please limit your requests for assistance to once every 90 days (3 months). The congregation of this church provides the funding for the food and wants to serve those who have a need. The Food Pantry cannot be used as a regular food source. 6. When you arrive for your appointment we will require you to have with you a photo ID of yourself and a proof of residence (your recent utility bill or other business mail with your name and address). Identification of the members of your household should also be provided.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (515) 265-6000 to book your appointment.

Address :

1451 E 25th St,
Des Moines, IA 50317.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Des Moines

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Polk

Appointments

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.

For the full set of services, you can call (515) 265-6000 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.

Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry

Show up early.

This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.

You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.

Remember all documentation.

Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.

This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.

It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.

Use several food banks.

Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.

For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.

Eligible for other programs?

Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.

They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

Ask about extras.

If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.

Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.

Go on different days of the week.

Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.

Be polite to workers.

Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.

FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.

2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?

Specifically, food banks often need items like:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Canned beans
  • Canned stew
  • Canned fish

3. Who can go to food pantry?

At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.

4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?

A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.

5. How does a food pantry work?

Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.