Latinx Knock and Drop Iowa will be the recipient of our First Sunday collection on June 6.

Nearly half of the Hispanic population in the US is food insecure, partially due to the pandemic and subsequent unemployment. Latinx Knock and Drop Iowa, a new 501c3 non-profit, addresses this acute and ongoing need in our local community. Beginning in March 2020 with deliveries of 50 twice weekly food boxes, this creative small volunteer organization now reaches over 2,000 households (including over 1,100 children) through a neighborhood food pantry. Latinx Knock and Drop Iowa is the only Des Moines metro food pantry in which Spanish is the primary language. Earning trust in the community has helped them reach more people during this unsettling time.

They do not work in a vacuum, however, partnering early on with Eat Greater Des Moines, Capital City Fruit, and La Tapatia, and now also with Food Bank of Iowa, HyVee, and others. They have expanded to include personal hygiene items and recently offered COVID19 immunizations serving over 600 people. Though food stability is the main purpose and focus, they have hopes of providing a computer room, English and citizenship classes, resume’ workshop and more for the local Hispanic community.

Join us Sunday, June 6, to hear from our First Sunday recipient’s director/advocate about this vital and vibrant agency serving the needs of people of color in our community. For more information, go to the organization’s website.

Checks can be written either to:
– “Latinx Knock and Drop Iowa” (If you mail your check directly to the organization, please note “DMIEC First Sunday” in the memo line and inform Ed Arnold of the amount, if you feel comfortable, so the Social Justice Committee can get an accurate count of donations.) or
– “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line. We would prefer that all checks be mailed to DMIEC at P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA 50310.