On Valentine’s Day, conversations often turn to connection, care, and the ways people show up for one another. At WesleyLife, those ideas are not seasonal: They guide how we respond to real needs in our communities, including food insecurity.
In late January, WesleyLife Meals on Wheels launched a six-month partnership with the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) to pilot a new way of reaching older adults: prepared meals to boost nutrition security. Each week, WesleyLife delivers nearly 150 prepared and flash-frozen meals through four DMARC food pantries: Johnston, Urbandale, the DMARC-Ket Southside Food Pantry, and Bidwell Riverside.
In 2024, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more than 77,000 people through their network of 13 partner pantries, to-go sites, and a delivery hotline. Of the nearly 80,000 individuals assisted in the Des Moines metro, one in 10 was 65 or older.
The pilot program with WesleyLife will distribute nearly 3,500 meals, adding to both organizations’ impact.
Lowering barriers, meeting people where they are
The DMARC food-pantry locations were chosen intentionally, as each serves a large number of older adults, many of whom are navigating limited resources, health challenges, or barriers to preparing food at home.
“For some older adults, signing up for meals delivered to their door can feel like a big step,” Shannon Draayer, executive director of community nutrition for WesleyLife, said. “By offering prepared meals at pantries, we can lower those barriers and meet people where they are.”
The need is significant. In November alone, the Urbandale Food Pantry served approximately 900 older adults. Across the region, food pantries are often the first point of contact for individuals who are struggling; not only do the pantries offer sustenance, but they also work to connect clients with additional support.
“We have seen firsthand the need many of our older neighbors face and understand the unique food-security challenges faced by older adults,” Kathy Underhill, chief executive officer of DMARC, said. “Collaborating with community partners boost our reach and impact, and we look forward to this unique partnership.”
Through the food pantry pilot, any individual age 55 or older who visits one of the participating pantries can receive up to three dietitian-designed ready-to-heat meals per visit. Volunteers are present at each site to assist participants in obtaining the meals, which are designed to support health, dignity, and independence.
Connection and collaboration
The partnership was made possible through the generosity of a local private foundation that also lends its support to DMARC. Their $30,000 gift allows the program to run as a six-month pilot and reflects a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in practical, collaborative ways.
The collaboration also reflects broader momentum across the community. Through the United Way Food Insecurity Workgroup, local organizations have strengthened coordination and developed a shared plan to respond to growing need.
Collaboration is essential, especially when the scale of food insecurity makes it impossible for Meals on Wheels meal delivery to reach every household individually, and as cuts and restrictions threaten federal nutrition programs.
“This is about connection,” Draayer said. “It’s about recognizing that we can do more when we work together, and that small shifts in how we deliver services can open doors for people who might otherwise go unseen.”
As the pilot continues, WesleyLife will work closely with DMARC to evaluate impact and share learnings. For many older adults, receiving a nutritious meal at a familiar pantry may be the first step toward greater stability, health, and connection.
On Valentine’s Day and every day, that is what care looks like inaction!
Your generous donation can assist WesleyLife Meals on Wheels in making a difference to older adults and military veterans facing food insecurity. Make your impact quickly, easily, and securely today!
