Our Impact
280+M meals shared since 2008.
23.5M meals projected in 2026
10% of meals packaged will stay here in Iowa.
Mission
Empowering people to save starving children.
Key Services Provided
Through volunteer meal packaging events at our West Des Moines Patty Cownie Packaging Center and Mobile Hunger Fights throughout the community, Meals from the Heartland provides nutritious meals to trusted distribution partners serving those facing food insecurity locally, nationally and globally.
Key Audiences Served
Our meals reach children, families and communities experiencing hunger locally, nationally and globally. We work alongside trusted partners to help ensure meals reach those who need them most.
Ways to give
Donate: Help fund the meal ingredients our volunteers turn into nutritious meals for children and families facing hunger.
Volunteer: Give your time to package nutritious meals and make a hands-on impact for those in need.
Host a Hunger Fight: Bring meal packaging to your business, church, school or community and engage your group in giving back together.
Corporate Partnerships: Partner with Meals from the Heartland through employee volunteer opportunities, financial support and community engagement.
Sponsorships: Support our mission and special events while connecting your organization with thousands of volunteers throughout the year.
What are the most immediate needs to support your organization?
An aging population, existing workforce shortages, and the aftereffects of a global pandemic have made the need for qualified, compassionate caregivers more critical than ever. By 2030, it’s estimated that nursing will be the number one job needed in Iowa. Such a shortage of frontline workers will only lead to complications in patient care and quality of health care delivery. The Legacy of Faith Campaign for the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing will support nursing education for the future of our community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dan Koestner, chair
Doug Shelton, treasurer
Bill Lowe, vice chair
Rebecca Young, secretary
Amanda Rinehart
Amy Wittry
Chrys Woods
Heather Campbell
Ibrahim Ahmed
Jamie Carlson
Jeff Austin
Jerry Armstrong
Jesse Bunney
Mike Beals
Steve Carlson
Tiffanie Hinson