Drake University Hosts Iowa Food Security Forum
The event brought together food-insecure individuals to help researchers identify potential policy solutions.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Nutrition
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Drake University researchers hosted the Iowa Food Security Forum in Des Moines to gather direct input on food insecurity. The project, known as JustGive, utilized a deliberative poll model to incorporate participant perspectives into long-term policy strategies.
Why it matters
By directly involving those experiencing food insecurity, researchers hope to better understand the challenges faced by local families. The forum aimed to bridge the gap between policy development and the lived reality of individuals relying on food assistance.
Between 150 and 200 food-insecure individuals participated in the forum, which was developed over a three-year planning period. Approximately 40 percent of DMARC pantry visitors currently receive SNAP benefits.
The players
Drake University
This private university in Des Moines conducted the research forum and organized the JustGive project.
DMARC
The Des Moines Area Religious Council manages a network of food pantries and provided the participant base for the study.
The details
The event included presentations, small-group deliberations, and a Q&A session with practitioners. Participants were recruited from the DMARC visitor list to share their experiences via paper surveys.
Timeline
The Iowa Food Security Forum took place in October 2026.
Survey results are expected to be released within the next two to three weeks.
Health Landscape
This event serves as the primary data-gathering phase for the JustGive research initiative. The project seeks to move beyond traditional charitable models by integrating user-centered deliberation into the broader effort to solve food insecurity.
The forum provides a platform for individuals relying on local food assistance to directly shape future assistance programs. Participants and the wider community can expect these research findings to influence how local policy addresses food insecurity in the future.
The takeaway
The study highlights the value of incorporating direct feedback from service users when designing social support systems. Researchers suggest that this approach could provide a more effective roadmap for long-term policy adjustments.
Further reading
For more on community-led approaches to hunger, visit Des Moines Nutrition.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Record.
Live Poll
Should the application process for government food assistance programs be simplified to increase accessibility?
