Free Food in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is Iowa's vibrant capital, a city where civic pride and neighborliness define the culture. The community has a strong tradition of taking care of everyone.
Still, everyone needs a hand sometimes. About 15% of Des Moines residents live below the poverty line and can struggle to put food on the table — that is where this network comes in. All 22 resources listed here are free to access, with no cost and no referral needed.
View Des Moines resources on the map · Poverty figure: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2018–2022 5-Year Estimates
What's available in Des Moines
- Blessing Box: 9
- Food Pantry: 8
- Food Bank: 3
- Meal Program: 2
- School Meal Program: 1
Resources in Des Moines
22 results
Iowa Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
1305 E Walnut St
Food BankMeal Program
Bidwell Riverside Center
1420 Mulberry Street"
Food Pantry
Community Youth Concepts
1446 Martin Luther King Junior Parkway
Blessing Box
DMARC - KET Southside Food Pantry
100 Army Post Road
Food Pantry
Des Moines Community Action Agency
1815 Hubbell Avenue"
Food Pantry
Drake Little Free Pantry
2511 University Avenue
Blessing Box
Food Bank of Iowa (Regional Food Bank)
2220 E. 17th St., Des Moines, 50316.0
Food Bank
Food Bank of Iowa - Backpack Program
50129.0, Backpack Program
Meal Program
Food Bank of Iowa - School Pantry Program
School Meal Program
Friendship Baptist Center
1526 Martin Luther King Parkway
Food Pantry
Grace Little Free Pantry
Urbandale Avenue
Blessing Box
IHCC Blessing Box
535 Des Moines Ave
Blessing Box
Kansas Department of Children and Families Food Assistance (SNAP)
321 E. 12th St.
Food Bank
Little Free Pantry - Des Moines
5125 Meredith Dr
Food Pantry
Northwest Community of Christ
Des Moines, IA
Blessing Box
PACC Micro Pantry
3219 SW 9th St
Blessing Box
Pennsylvania Ave. Mural Little Pantry
808 Des Moines Street
Blessing Box
Pennsylvania Ave. Mural Little Pantry
808 Des Moines St
Food Pantry
South Side Pantry
1927 Leland Avenue
Blessing Box
WDM Open Bible Free Pantry
1100 Ashworth Rd
Food Pantry
Westminster Little Free Pantry (Allison Ave)
4114 Allison Ave
Food Pantry
Westminster Little Free Pantry (Allison Avenue)
4114 Allison Avenue
Blessing Box
Common questions about free food in Des Moines
Where can I get free food in Des Moines?
You'll find 22 free food resources in Des Moines, including summer feeding programs, food pantries, blessing boxes, food banks, and meal programs.
Do I need to qualify or bring ID?
Most locations welcome anyone without proof of income. A few may ask about your service area or request a call first.
Is the food really free?
Yes, completely free. No referral needed.
What if I need food outside of regular hours?
Some of Des Moines' community fridges may be stocked throughout the day. Check the map for the nearest one to you.