Mom’s Meals helps feed Iowa’s homeless youth
By Natalia Gomez del Campo
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — One of the drop-in services of the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers in Des Moines is daily meals. During the summer season, when the number of people it serves rises, food donations become essential.
Mom’s Meals, an Iowa-founded organization that serves over 60 locations across the U.S., donated 240 individually packaged shelf-friendly meals.
“We want to make sure that we’re supporting the community that has served us well for many, many years,” said Tracy Smith, vice president of marketing at Mom’s Meals.
Tracy Smith, a Mom’s Meals spokesperson, says nutrition is essential to well-being.
“Sometimes just having access to food can provide that stability, dignity, and just one less thing to worry about during difficult times.”
The long-term goal is to end youth homelessness for good, said Austin Neal, the center’s community engagement coordinator.
He says each year, they serve close to 10,000 meals, and this year, it could creep up to 12,000. To him, combating hunger sets a child up for success.
“Without basic needs, what more can they do? Once we fill that basic need, we can dream with them a little bit,” said Neal.
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers serves youth ages 18-24, as well as youth ages 16-17 with some programs. It also serves families. Last year, close to 425 people got services.
Neal says it takes a village, from the food pantry to volunteers to Mom’s Meals, to make a difference.
Smith urges Iowans to spread the word to those in need about Mom’s Meals, and Neal hopes to see more people volunteer at the youth center.
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