Kathy Underhill Charts a Course for DMARC: Addressing Hunger in a Changing Iowa
Kathy Underhill stepped into the role of CEO at the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) last year, bringing with her over two decades of experience tackling hunger at both the nonprofit and governmental levels. Her arrival coincided with a stark reminder of the needs within the community – a premature newborn whose family sought basic necessities like formula and diapers at a DMARC food pantry on a cold winter day. This moment, as Underhill recounts, underscored the human face of food insecurity and the critical role DMARC plays in the Greater Des Moines area.
The Landscape of Hunger in Iowa: Beyond the Stereotypes
Underhill’s initial months at DMARC have revealed a consistent truth about hunger: its root causes are universal. However, she’s been struck by the strong community response in Iowa. “Hunger in Iowa doesn’t really gaze different than hunger anywhere else in terms of the root causes and the folks that are experiencing hunger,” she noted. “What I’ve learned about hunger here, though, is really around the community response to it is so strong.” This dedication was particularly evident during the November government shutdown, when donations of food, funds, and volunteer hours surged.
DMARC currently serves a diverse demographic, with approximately 40% of those accessing its network of 13 food pantries being children under 18, and 15% over the age of 60. A significant portion of recipients are employed, either part-time or full-time, or actively seeking work, highlighting the challenges of finding sustainable employment and wages.
Navigating Legislative Challenges and Advocacy
DMARC actively monitors legislation that could impact food assistance programs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), school meals, and summer food programs. Underhill emphasizes the importance of advocacy, encouraging community members to engage with their state legislators. “Advocacy can look like many different things,” she explains. “One of the most effective things is showing up to town halls and to meetings with your state legislators and saying, ‘I’m your constituent. Hunger is an issue that’s important to me, tell me about what you’re doing on it.’”
The Double Up Food Bucks Program: A Focus on Healthy Choices
The potential $1 million appropriation for the Double Up Food Bucks program is under consideration. Underhill approaches this with a practical perspective, prioritizing the most effective leverage of limited resources. She acknowledges the program’s potential to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be expensive, but also raises questions about the broader impact and potential unintended consequences of restricting food choices.
Novel SNAP Restrictions: A Retailer and Consumer Perspective
A recent change in Iowa SNAP regulations prohibits the purchase of certain food items with benefits, requiring retailers to implement new systems and potentially creating confusion for recipients. Underhill shared an experience visiting a retailer where neither staff nor the point-of-sale system clearly indicated eligible items, leading to a cumbersome checkout process. She questions whether this administrative burden and potential for confusion is the most effective approach to promoting healthy eating.
“Given the administrative burden of this, given that cost, it doesn’t cost the state money, but it sure costs the retailer money to implement this, to train people to change their point of sale systems… is this the best use of time and money to obtain this goal about healthy food?”
DMARC’s Future: A Client-Centered Approach
Looking ahead, Underhill is focused on deepening DMARC’s understanding of the needs of those it serves. She has initiated an advisory council comprised of individuals who access pantry services, aiming to gain direct insights into their experiences and priorities. She also plans to implement regular surveys to gather feedback and ensure DMARC’s services are responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
Underhill envisions a shift towards a more client-centered approach, mirroring the responsiveness of the for-profit sector. “Instead of just saying, ‘Well, we do this because that’s the way we’ve always done it,’ does it actually meet the necessitate?”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is DMARC? DMARC provides nutritious food to individuals and families in need in the Greater Des Moines area through a network of 13 food pantries and partnerships with 12 other nonprofits.
- Who does DMARC serve? DMARC serves a diverse population, including children, seniors, and working individuals and families.
- How can I help DMARC? You can contribute through financial donations, volunteering time, or advocating for policies that address food insecurity.
- What is the Double Up Food Bucks program? It’s a program that helps make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable for SNAP recipients.
Pro Tip: Regular, consistent volunteering is highly valuable to organizations like DMARC. Offering a set schedule allows for better planning and resource allocation.
Learn more about DMARC and how you can secure involved by visiting their website.