West Des Moines Human Services

Who Can Visit?

West Des Moines Human Services runs a DMARC Food Pantry that's open to anyone who needs food help. There are no residency requirements, and no income test to use the pantry. They describe themselves as an equal opportunity provider, so you're welcome to come no matter where you live.

New clients need to visit the office to register before receiving food. Staff will meet with you to go over documents and get you set up as a client.

How to Register?

Visit the office at 139 6th Street in the Valley Junction Neighborhood during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Staff will work with you to provide the required documents, confirm your eligibility for programs, and register you as a client.

Items Needed for Registration

Bring the following for your first visit:

• A photo ID for each person in your household
• A current piece of mail with your address, dated within the last 30 days

If you need to print any documents, there is a computer available on-site.

Good to Know

Each pantry visit provides a 3-day supply of food for your household. Volunteers are non-judgmental and will help load your groceries into your car when you're done.

There's also a separate Anytime Food Program available every weekday starting at 8:30 AM. No registration is needed. Just walk up to the southeast corner of the building to pick up free items. This program is cancelled when WDM schools are closed or delayed due to bad weather.

If you have documents to print but don't have a printer, there is a computer available at the office.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides nutritious groceries, fresh produce, and personal care items. You'll have options to choose from when you visit.

Through the Anytime Food Program, free fresh bakery goods, produce, and prepackaged grab-and-go items are available on weekdays starting at 8:30 AM with no registration required.

How to Pick Up

When you visit the pantry, you'll get to choose from the available food options, so you can pick what works best for your household. Volunteers are there to help and will assist you with loading groceries into your car.

For the Anytime Food Program, go to the southeast corner of the building on any weekday beginning at 8:30 AM. No appointment or check-in is needed.

Additional Support

West Des Moines Human Services offers many programs for low-income households in the West Des Moines area beyond the food pantry:

• Emergency Financial Assistance: Help with rent, mortgage, or utility bills for qualifying West Des Moines residents who are at risk of losing their housing or having services shut off.
• Energy Assistance and Weatherization: Help paying heating and electric bills, plus home energy improvements.
• Free Medical Clinic: Basic healthcare for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Open Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (check in by 7:30 PM). Walk-ins only, no residency requirements.
• ELL Classes: Free English language classes running September through May, with year-round learning opportunities. No residency requirements.
• Birthday Heroes: Birthday bags with cake mix and birthday supplies for income-eligible families with children up to age 18. Limited spots, first-come, first-served.
• Holiday Assistance: Food vouchers and gift programs for income-eligible West Des Moines residents. Registration starts in October.
• School Supplies: Backpacks and required school supplies for income-eligible West Des Moines families. Registration starts in July, with distribution in August.
• Winter Coat Distribution: Free coats, hats, and gloves for children and adults.
• Youth Recreational Assistance: 50% off youth sports and activities through West Des Moines Parks and Recreation for income-eligible residents. Annual limits apply.
• Pool Passes: Reduced-rate summer pool passes for Holiday Park, Valley View, and Clive Aquatic Centers for income-eligible West Des Moines residents.
• Transit Pass Program: Discounted bus passes for work, school, or appointments.
• Workforce Opportunities: Job training and employment support.

Facilities

The Clothing Closet offers free, quality used clothing for income-eligible residents of West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and Windsor Heights. You can schedule a time to come shop for your family. Proof of income is required for the Clothing Closet.

Ways to Give

There are several ways to support West Des Moines Human Services:

• Give online through their donation page.
• Order items from their Food Pantry Wish List on Amazon and have them shipped directly.
• They also have a Personal Care Wish List on Amazon for hygiene and household items.
• Drop donations off at the southeast corner of the building during drop-off hours. You can get a receipt for your records.
• Organize a donation drive with your friends, coworkers, or organization.
• Call 515-222-3660 to arrange a drop-off at a different time.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are needed in the Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, Food Rescue, and ELL classes. If you have a few hours a month, there's a rewarding role for you.

All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and a release form, and pass a background check. You must be at least 14 years old. Shifts run Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM, with an additional Tuesday evening option from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. You can commit to a regular weekly shift or help on an ongoing, as-needed basis.

High school students (age 14+) can earn Silver Cord hours on Tuesday evenings, and college students can help in the Food Pantry or Clothing Closet. Use the student volunteer form to apply. Students under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the release form.

If your employer offers Volunteer Time Off (VTO), you can help with seasonal events like school supply distribution and holiday gift programs. Fill out the VTO application or email HSvolunteer@wdm.iowa.gov for more information.