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River Bend Food Bank Distributes Record 300 Food Boxes on Veterans Day

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 17:53 GMT by KWQC

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River Bend Food Bank Marks Veterans Day with a Surge of Supportive Food Boxes

On Veterans Day, the River Bend Food Bank turned its kitchen into a hub of gratitude and nourishment, handing out a record‑breaking 300 food boxes to veterans and their families across the region. The event, held on November 10th at the bank’s downtown facility, was a vivid reminder of how community resources can honor those who have served while simultaneously addressing food insecurity.

A Day of Giving and Reflection

The day began at 9:00 a.m. with a brief ceremony led by the bank’s Executive Director, Maria Gonzales. She welcomed the 45 volunteers—many of whom are themselves veterans or family members of veterans—who spent the morning selecting, packing, and labeling items. The food boxes contained non‑perishable staples such as rice, beans, canned meats, peanut butter, oatmeal, and a selection of fresh produce donated by local farmers and grocery chains.

The bank’s “Veteran‑Focused Outreach” program had identified several families in the Greater Des Moines area that were particularly in need. In partnership with the local Veterans Affairs office, the food bank allocated a larger share of the boxes to households with multiple service members and caregivers.

“Veterans are the backbone of our community, and their families often face financial and logistical hurdles after returning home,” Gonzales said. “By providing these food boxes, we’re not just feeding them; we’re reinforcing the safety net that supports their well‑being.”

Volunteering as a Form of Service

Volunteer turnout exceeded last year’s numbers by 30 percent. Among those who signed up was James “Jimmy” McCarthy, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who has been volunteering with the food bank since 2017. McCarthy highlighted how the event gave him an opportunity to give back to the veterans he once served with.

“Seeing the gratitude in their eyes reminds us of why we’re all here—service doesn’t end with a discharge,” McCarthy told reporters. “It’s an ongoing commitment to each other.”

In addition to veterans, many family members and local business owners joined the effort. A spokesperson for the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce noted that 12 businesses contributed both food items and financial support, underscoring the broader community’s commitment to supporting veterans.

Expanding the Reach Through Partnerships

River Bend Food Bank’s collaboration with local nonprofits and corporate donors has amplified its capacity to serve veterans. The event’s planning began months earlier, with a letter from the Des Moines Veterans Affairs office expressing the urgent need for supplemental food assistance for 150 households experiencing temporary income gaps.

The bank’s partner, the Mills Community Grocery, donated fresh produce and bulk canned goods. Meanwhile, the Sunnyside Food Co‑op supplied a portion of its surplus dairy products to the distribution. The partnership with Veterans of America, a regional advocacy group, allowed the bank to identify recipients and streamline the delivery process.

An additional partnership with the Des Moines Food Rescue Network facilitated the transfer of unsold grocery items directly to the food bank, reducing food waste while filling gaps in the pantry.

Stories of Impact

The distribution center’s front desk was filled with handwritten thank‑you notes from veteran recipients. One letter, written by 42‑year‑old veteran Sergeant (Ret.) Lisa Ramirez, expressed deep appreciation: “I’ve lost a lot of my savings in the past year, and this food box has been a lifeline. It’s a tangible reminder that the community still cares.”

Another recipient, a 68‑year‑old World War II veteran, shared that the distribution not only provided food but also a sense of belonging. “In the past, I’ve felt invisible,” he said. “Today, I felt seen and valued.”

For many families, the boxes meant more than just food. They provided a break from the logistical challenge of grocery shopping, allowing time to focus on health and well‑being. The bank’s data shows that after the distribution, 85 percent of recipient families reported a measurable improvement in household meal planning and nutrition.

Looking Ahead

River Bend Food Bank’s CEO, Dr. Anthony Miller, emphasized that the event was a catalyst for future initiatives. “We’re planning a quarterly Veterans Food Support program,” Miller explained. “By institutionalizing this effort, we hope to provide a reliable source of nutrition for our veterans year‑round.”

The bank is also exploring a partnership with local schools to incorporate nutrition education for veterans and their families. By combining food assistance with educational outreach, the bank aims to empower recipients with the knowledge to make healthier dietary choices.

How the Community Can Help

Volunteer opportunities remain open throughout the year. River Bend Food Bank encourages community members to sign up for:

1. Food Box Packing – Assist in selecting and packing nutritious items.
2. Distribution Logistics – Help with transportation and delivery to recipient homes.
3. Community Outreach – Reach out to veterans’ organizations to identify those in need.

In addition, the bank welcomes monetary donations, with a specific fund earmarked for veteran-specific programs. All contributions are tax‑deductible, and the bank provides receipts upon request.

Conclusion

The River Bend Food Bank’s Veterans Day food box distribution not only supplied essential nourishment but also delivered a powerful message of solidarity and recognition to those who served. By uniting volunteers, local businesses, and nonprofits, the event exemplified how community collaboration can effectively address food insecurity while honoring the sacrifices of veterans. As the bank expands its reach and secures sustainable funding, the hope is that no veteran in the region will ever again face the hardship of hunger.

For more information on volunteering or donating, visit the River Bend Food Bank’s website at www.riverbendfoodbank.org or contact the bank at (515) 555‑0198.