Friends Food Pantry, officially MRFC-CCA Food Pantry, takes a holistic approach in serving our P.E.A.C.H. Communities, the five towns that make up Carlisle School District, just on the Southeast side of Des Moines, Iowa (AKA Wildcat Country). It is our goal that no family in our community has to choose between food and paying bills. We counsel each family on other services that are available to help them toward their goals. We want to be a hand-up, not just a handout. This takes building relationships and trust with you and our customers.

Thank you for being a champion to these families.

Here are some basic stats for the 1st Quarter of 2025

Box: Each box represents a family served.  Local families (Palmyra, Easter Lake, Avon, Carlisle, and Hartford) can come in weekly, while families outside this area can only come in once a month.

January                155

February             142

March                    149                           Total      446 boxes

Individuals: This is a breakdown count which includes every time a family is served.

0-18 (minors)    507

19-59 (adults)   361

60+ (seniors)     519                        Total      1,387 individuals

We are setting a goal of raising $20,000 locally. We have exciting events planned to help us reach this goal. On September 14, we will be selling walking Tacos at the Carlisle Pickers Day at Carlisle High School. And on October 12, we have a Pulled Pork Dinner coming up at Middle River Friends Church. You can support these events and the pantry by donating to the Friends Food Pantry. All funds raised will be dedicated to food and personal care purchases, making a significant impact on our community.

How else can you help? Pray. Share the news. Raise your champion status. Make a food donation through your business. Recommend us to new grant opportunities through your company or other organizations.

Local Champion One-time gift $25 or more

Super Champion Any Monthly Giver

Champion Encourager Any grant/gift(s) equaling $500 Annually

Friend of the Pantry Any grant/gift(s) equaling $1,000 Annually or 1000 lbs. of food.

Silver Friend of the Pantry Any grant/gift(s) equaling $2,000 Annually or 2000 lbs. of food.

Gold Friend of the Pantry Any grant/gift(s) equaling $3,000 Annually or 3000 lbs. of food.

Diamond Friend of the Pantry Any grant/gift(s) equaling $ 5,000 Annually

Friends Food Pantry is a 501c3 Non-Profit, our EIN number is 88-3928992. It serves as an extension ministry of Middle River Friends Church in partnership with the CCA (Christian Community in Action) a group of eight churches in the Carlisle Community. Our projected budget for 2024 will be $43,000

Once again, Thank you

Friends Food Pantry Sustainability Campaign

Friends Food Pantry 2025-2026 Sustainability Campaign

Team Members