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With one in eight Iowans facing food insecurity, organizations around the metro are hosting free meals during the holiday season.
Demand for assistance from the Food Bank of Iowa is growing, with the organization investing as much in food every month as it did in all of 2019, according to its 2025 impact report.
For anyone who lives in the Des Moines metro and is in need of a meal this holiday season, here are three locations offering services.
Hope Ministries:
Hope Ministries will provide thousands of Christmas meals again this holiday season. Families can have ham dinners along with other sides delivered to homes in the metro in Altoona, Clive, Des Moines, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.
Deliveries
Time: Meals will be delivered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day.Sign up: To sign up for meal delivery, call Hope Ministries at 515-265-4277 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or fill out an online form. Reservations are accepted until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 or when capacity is reached.Hot Tamale Catering and 4 All Kids: Free Christmas Eve meal
Hot Tamale Catering is offering its sixth annual free Christmas Eve meal. The event is open to anyone who needs companionship or a meal this holiday season, according to Hot Tamale Catering’s Facebook page. The meal is put on by Hot Tamale Catering, 4 All Kids and Fareway.
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 24Location: Hot Tamale Catering, 4121 Fleur Drive, Des MoinesGrinnell United Methodist Church
Grinnell United Methodist will host its annual Christmas Dinner. Those looking to do a meal delivery or dine-in must make reservations by Dec. 19. The meal for the dine-in option includes roast beef or ham, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner rolls, and assorted desserts. Reservations can be made at Grinnell United Methodist.
Time: Noon, Dec. 25Location: In the Friendship Center at 916 Fifth Ave., Grinnell
If we missed a free Christmas meal around the Des Moines metro, email IowaConnect@gannett.com to be added to the list.
Kate Kealey is the growth and development reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
Dining and Cooking