WHAT: Community leaders, state legislators, city council members, Fareway Stores and the Iowa Pork Producers Association will gather at Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) on Tuesday, December 3 for the eighth annual Giving Tuesday event, titled “Serving Up Hope”. The event will bring Des Moines area leaders together to prepare and serve hearty meals to adults experiencing homelessness.

WHO: Des Moines area leaders including Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Des Moines City Council members, State of Iowa legislators, Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer and several members of the Fareway team, and representatives from the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Central Iowa Shelter & Services to prepare and serve meals and speak with people staying at the emergency shelter. Media are invited to take images and video of the event and speak to participants.

The following participants will be available for interviews from 6 – 6:30 a.m. before the program begins, and after 7 a.m.:

·        Melissa O’Neil, CEO CISS

·        Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

·        Tom Laven, Regional Vice President, Fareway

·        Doug Gruver, VP of Producer Services Iowa Pork Producers Association

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WHEN: Giving Tuesday "Serving Up Hope" Event Details

Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 a.m.; program begins at 6:30 a.m.

Location: Central Iowa Shelter & Services, 1420 Mulberry, Des Moines, Iowa

WHY: Food insecurity and homelessness are issues that affect people in our community. Giving Tuesday, celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, inspires individuals, families, and organizations to support causes they care about. It promotes a spirit of generosity and reminds people of the value of helping others, especially as it occurs during the holiday season. The day shines a spotlight on nonprofits and charitable organizations, increasing awareness about their missions, challenges, and successes.

MORE: CISS expects to serve more than 300 individuals staying at the shelter. Excess food will be donated. Fareway’s donations include 150 lbs. of bacon, 50 lbs. of sausage patties, 120 lbs. of eggs, 48 packages of Hashbrowns, 85 loaves of cinnamon raisin bread, 240 lbs. of oranges, 200 lbs. of apples, 12 cans of coffee, more than 750 packets of hot cocoa, 500 individual servings of orange juice, 500 individual servings of milk, and more than 500 bottled waters. 

The Iowa Pork Producers Association will be giving gift bags that include warm gloves, stocking hats, socks, and pork sticks to those staying at the shelter.