Opportunities From: United Way of Central Iowa

Volunteer: DMARC Ambassadors Committee


The Ambassadors Committee is a welcoming space for individuals passionate about DMARC’s mission to learn, serve, and share. Members deepen their understanding of hunger and poverty in Central Iowa, participate in service learning, and become active advocates, all while making meaningful connections with one another and supporting DMARC’s mission via fundraising projects and volunteerism.

Activities include:

Bi-monthly meetings to plan quarterly ambassador meetups and activitiesVolunteer projects (food sorting, drives, meal kit packing)Behind-the-scenes tours and learning sessions Speaking engagements or tabling at events (optional) Organizing fundraising event(s) to support DMARC’s mission.

Commitment: Every other month for 1.5-2 hours, with optional additional engagement.

Ideal for: New or long-time supporters, young professionals, civic-minded individuals, or anyone looking to get more involved with hands-on experiences!

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)


The Ambassadors Committee is a welcoming space for individuals passionate about DMARC’s mission to learn, serve, and share. Members deepen their understanding of hunger and poverty in Central Iowa, participate in service learning, and become active advocates, all while making meaningful connections with one another and supporting DMARC’s mission via fundraising projects and volunteerism.

Activities include:

Bi-monthly meetings to plan quarterly ambassador meetups and activitiesVolunteer projects (food sorting, drives, meal kit packing)Behind-the-scenes tours and learning sessions Speaking engagements or tabling at events (optional) Organizing fundraising event(s) to support DMARC’s mission.

Commitment: Every other month for 1.5-2 hours, with optional additional engagement.

Ideal for: New or long-time supporters, young professionals, civic-minded individuals, or anyone looking to get more involved with hands-on experiences!

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50315

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: DMARC Red Barrel Committee


This committee supports DMARC’s iconic Red Barrel Program, a visible and vital way for the community to donate food at grocery stores and retail locations. The committee works to promote, improve, and expand the program.

Key activities:

Plan and execute Red Barrel promotion campaigns Coordinate Hunger Sack events (pre-packed food kits for purchase) Recruit new Red Barrel locations (with DMARC’s help) Explore new promotion tools like shelf talkers, posters, or digital promos Connect with Store Managers to help educate the importance of support DMARC and the Red Barrel program.

Commitment: Meets 2–4 times per year with occasional tasks in between, such as organizing drives or contacting new locations.

Ideal for: Volunteers with marketing, logistics, or retail experience- or a love for hands-on food drive efforts!

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)


This committee supports DMARC’s iconic Red Barrel Program, a visible and vital way for the community to donate food at grocery stores and retail locations. The committee works to promote, improve, and expand the program.

Key activities:

Plan and execute Red Barrel promotion campaigns Coordinate Hunger Sack events (pre-packed food kits for purchase) Recruit new Red Barrel locations (with DMARC’s help) Explore new promotion tools like shelf talkers, posters, or digital promos Connect with Store Managers to help educate the importance of support DMARC and the Red Barrel program.

Commitment: Meets 2–4 times per year with occasional tasks in between, such as organizing drives or contacting new locations.

Ideal for: Volunteers with marketing, logistics, or retail experience- or a love for hands-on food drive efforts!

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50315

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: DMARC Corporate Leadership Cabinet

The Corporate Leadership Cabinet is a network of community-minded business leaders who support DMARC through strategic partnerships, resource sharing, and community engagement. Members act as ambassadors within their sectors to raise awareness of DMARC’s mission, contribute financially or in-kind, and help open doors to new opportunities.

Activities include:

Quarterly meetings with DMARC leadership Serve as thought partners and sounding boards for DMARC initiatives Leverage your networks to build strategic partnerships Promote DMARC events and campaigns within your circles

Ideal for: Professionals and executives who want to lend their influence to reduce food insecurity in Greater Des Moines.

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)

The Corporate Leadership Cabinet is a network of community-minded business leaders who support DMARC through strategic partnerships, resource sharing, and community engagement. Members act as ambassadors within their sectors to raise awareness of DMARC’s mission, contribute financially or in-kind, and help open doors to new opportunities.

Activities include:

Quarterly meetings with DMARC leadership Serve as thought partners and sounding boards for DMARC initiatives Leverage your networks to build strategic partnerships Promote DMARC events and campaigns within your circles

Ideal for: Professionals and executives who want to lend their influence to reduce food insecurity in Greater Des Moines.

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50315

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Spring Greens Event Committee


This committee will help plan the 8th annual Spring Greens event, DMARC’s signature fundraising event. This year’s event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Areas of focus include sponsorship, ticket sales, communications, logistics, raffle, logistics, communications.

Date: April 30th, 2026 at DMARC’s headquarters, 100 Army Post Rd., Des Moines.

Subcommittees include: 

Sponsorship – Secure financial sponsors and help meet revenue goals. 

Raffle – Source a high-value raffle item and coordinate raffle sales and promotion. 

Logistics – Coordinate event setup, managing timelines and  volunteers. 

Communications & Promotions – Assist with marketing materials, social media, and press outreach. 

Decor & Design – Plan and implement the event’s decor and design.  

Pallet Project – Recruitment of organizations, clubs and faith communities to design and create a pallet project for the Spring Greens event. 

Commitment: 
Monthly meetings from October to April, with subcommittee work between meetings and hands-on help the week of the event. 

Ideal for: Organized, creative individuals who enjoy event planning, fundraising, or outreach! 

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)


This committee will help plan the 8th annual Spring Greens event, DMARC’s signature fundraising event. This year’s event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Areas of focus include sponsorship, ticket sales, communications, logistics, raffle, logistics, communications.

Date: April 30th, 2026 at DMARC’s headquarters, 100 Army Post Rd., Des Moines.

Subcommittees include: 

Sponsorship – Secure financial sponsors and help meet revenue goals. 

Raffle – Source a high-value raffle item and coordinate raffle sales and promotion. 

Logistics – Coordinate event setup, managing timelines and  volunteers. 

Communications & Promotions – Assist with marketing materials, social media, and press outreach. 

Decor & Design – Plan and implement the event’s decor and design.  

Pallet Project – Recruitment of organizations, clubs and faith communities to design and create a pallet project for the Spring Greens event. 

Commitment: 
Monthly meetings from October to April, with subcommittee work between meetings and hands-on help the week of the event. 

Ideal for: Organized, creative individuals who enjoy event planning, fundraising, or outreach! 

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50315

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: DMARC-Ket Food Pantry Volunteer

Please join us as a DMARC Food Pantry Volunteer!

Volunteering at the DMARC-Ket Food Pantry is just like helping a friend shop for groceries! As a food pantry volunteer, you will assist visitors in selecting their food items after they have gone through the intake process.

Help visitors choose food items and bag items. Carry items to visitors’ car or other modes of transportation as needed. Assisting Food Pantry Manager with miscellaneous tasks as needed. Read and comply with any posted daily directives from the Food Pantry Manager regarding the handling of any special food products such as produce or frozen food. Utilize safe food-handling and food storage practices.

Time Requirement:

Various shifts available throughout the month and week! 

New DMARC-Ket Hours! We are now open daily, Monday- Friday, from 9am-5pm. We are also open the first Saturday of the month from 9am-1pm. 

Volunteer Shift Hours are as follows: Monday- Friday 2pm- 4pm.

We appreciate any and all help, if these times do not work for you and you'd like to come in different times between the pantry hours, please call the Volunteer & Outreach Manager, Amanda Parkins at 515-277-6969 ext. 220. 

Support/Training:

Volunteers will be provided with instructions and ongoing guidance from a DMARC staff person for the duration of their shift. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your shift for direction. 

 Qualifications:

Possess a passion and enthusiasm for assisting individuals and families in crisis. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while under pressure. Ability to bend, squat and frequently lift items up to 35 pounds.

Sign up on our volunteer portal!

 We look forward to working with you!

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)

Please join us as a DMARC Food Pantry Volunteer!

Volunteering at the DMARC-Ket Food Pantry is just like helping a friend shop for groceries! As a food pantry volunteer, you will assist visitors in selecting their food items after they have gone through the intake process.

Help visitors choose food items and bag items. Carry items to visitors’ car or other modes of transportation as needed. Assisting Food Pantry Manager with miscellaneous tasks as needed. Read and comply with any posted daily directives from the Food Pantry Manager regarding the handling of any special food products such as produce or frozen food. Utilize safe food-handling and food storage practices.

Time Requirement:

Various shifts available throughout the month and week! 

New DMARC-Ket Hours! We are now open daily, Monday- Friday, from 9am-5pm. We are also open the first Saturday of the month from 9am-1pm. 

Volunteer Shift Hours are as follows: Monday- Friday 2pm- 4pm.

We appreciate any and all help, if these times do not work for you and you'd like to come in different times between the pantry hours, please call the Volunteer & Outreach Manager, Amanda Parkins at 515-277-6969 ext. 220. 

Support/Training:

Volunteers will be provided with instructions and ongoing guidance from a DMARC staff person for the duration of their shift. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your shift for direction. 

 Qualifications:

Possess a passion and enthusiasm for assisting individuals and families in crisis. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while under pressure. Ability to bend, squat and frequently lift items up to 35 pounds.

Sign up on our volunteer portal!

 We look forward to working with you!

Organization: Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC)

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 50315

Allow Groups: Yes