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 71 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
- Summer Feeding: 38
- Food Pantry: 15
- Blessing Box: 10
- Food Bank: 6
- Meal Program: 4
- School Meal Program: 1
Resources in Des Moines
71 results
Pennsylvania Ave. Mural Little Pantry
808 Des Moines Street
Blessing Box
Perkins Elementary School
4301 College Ave
Summer Feeding
Pine Grove Mobile Home Park
4210 NE 14th ST
Summer Feeding
Proteus, Inc. Food Pantry
1221 Center Street, Suite 16
Food Pantry
River Woods Elementary School
2929 SE 22nd St
Summer Feeding
Roosevelt High School
4419 Center St
Summer Feeding
South Glen Apartments
315 E McKinley
Summer Feeding
South Side Pantry
1927 Leland Avenue
Blessing Box
Stowe Elementary School
1411 E 33rd St
Summer Feeding
Studebaker Elementary School
300 E County Line Rd
Summer Feeding
The Salvation Army - 14th St (Des Moines, IA) Thrift Store & Donation Center
4620 SE 14th St
Food Pantry
The Salvation Army - Court Ave (Des Moines, IA) Thrift Store & Donation Center
211 E Court Ave
Food Pantry
The Salvation Army - Euclid Ave (Des Moines, IA) Thrift Store & Donation Center
105 E. Euclid Ave
Food Pantry
The Salvation Army Des Moines Temple Worship & Service Center
1326 6th Avenue
Food Pantry
Union Park
725 Thompson Avenue
Summer Feeding
WDM Open Bible Free Pantry
1100 Ashworth Rd
Food Pantry
Walnut Street School
901 Walnut St
Summer Feeding
Westminster Little Free Pantry (Allison Ave)
4114 Allison Ave
Food Pantry
Westminster Little Free Pantry (Allison Avenue)
4114 Allison Avenue
Blessing Box
Wright Elementary School
5001 SW 14th St
Summer Feeding
Youth Summer Pathways
323 University
Summer Feeding
Common questions about free food in Des Moines
Where can I get free food in Des Moines?
You'll find 71 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.