What: Post-Holiday Cheer (and Beer!)
Why: AMA Iowa and SMCDSM MeetUp
Where: Mickey’s Irish Pub, Clive
When: Jan. 13, 2011, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Non-perishable items* for donation to MovetheFood (optional)
*Here’s a list of MovetheFood’s most needed food items.
January’s MeetUp between AMA Iowa and the Social Media Club of Des Moines (SMCDSM) promises to be the networking kick-off to 2011. And we’re thrilled to announce that the co-hosted event will benefit the local emergency food pantry network, MovetheFood.
You know MovetheFood better as the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Emergency Food Pantry Network. Alleviating hunger in the Des Moines area for more than 40 years, the DMARC Emergency Food Pantry brings a new name to the new year.
We asked MovetheFood to send over a bit more information about their organization. Here’s what we learned:
No more empty calories for hungry families.
Did you know Iowa families who use emergency food are three times more likely to be obese or suffer from diabetes? That’s because the food that is most easily accessible is full of added fat and empty calories.
To help alleviate this problem, MovetheFood called on Iowa State University Extension nutritionists who helped the food network develop emergency food boxes containing all of the nutrients a family needs to meet USDA guidelines in a five-day period.
Today, all 12 MovetheFood pantry sites are equipped with refrigeration and freezer units so families are able to receive food that better promotes healthy choices and proper nutrition.
Who can MovetheFood help?
We know 20 percent of children in Polk County go without enough food. In November 2010 alone, MovetheFood saw a 51% increase in the amount of families served over 2009.
Families can visit an Emergency Food Pantry site once every 30 days to receive a five day supply of emergency food, as well as personal hygiene products and baby supplies like diapers and baby formula.
MovetheFood has also partnered with The Pet Project Midwest to distribute pet food. By keeping pets with their families, we help relieve unnecessary stress and keep our local animal shelters under capacity.
Share the food. Spread the word.
Hunger in Des Moines is very real, and it’s growing. MovetheFood hopes that by keeping Des Moines informed and connected, we can all work to create a community where healthy, nutritious food is available to all.
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Thank you to those AMA members who came out on a chilly nite to help support MovetheFood. Co-hosting along with the Social Media Club of Des Moines, the event raised more than $300 and over 70 food items were donated.
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