Hundreds Fed This Thanksgiving Thanks to Catholic Charities Food Pantry
by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines | November 23, 2025
For 30 years, the Catholic Charities Food Pantry’s annual Giving Thanksgiving event has helped food pantry clients celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. During the distribution days, clients received a turkey or other holiday meat along with sides including bread, canned vegetables, potatoes, milk and a dessert. This is in addition to the monthly food box clients already receive.
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry, in partnership with St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale, IA, distributed 680 turkeys at this year’s event. The 2025 event took place on Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20. St. Pius X, a long-time partner of this event, generously donated 600 turkeys this year.
“We recognize that the holidays can be a trying time for our clients, especially this year when many whom we serve are facing additional challenges sourcing food for their families. Giving Thanksgiving is a wonderful event where we can provide some extra support during the holiday season,” said Catholic Charities Executive Director Mike Sheehy. “I am grateful for our community partners and volunteers who helped make this year a great success.”
Hy-Vee, Inc., generously donated 1,400 canned vegetables to the 2025 Giving Thanksgiving event. This contribution played a key role in helping provide traditional holiday meal items for families in the community. Hy-Vee’s commitment to feeding the hungry during the holidays was well-aligned with Catholic Charities’ mission to put food on the tables of individuals and families here in the Des Moines metro.
“We at Hy-Vee believe that the holidays should be a time full of joy and connection,” Tonia Petterson, Windsor Heights Hy-Vee store director said. “If we can be a small part of helping families and friends connect over a good meal, we’re very happy to be able to provide part of that experience for them.”
In addition to St. Pius X and Hy-Vee, food was also provided in partnership through the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and Food Bank of Iowa. Financial contributions from other Catholic Charities’ donors also contributed to the events’ success.
“St. Pius X is always such a strong and generous partner of ours and we appreciate their unwavering support,” said Deborah Kesling, Catholic Charities Food Pantry program manager. “We are grateful to be able to further support our clients this holiday season.”
Over the last few years, the Catholic Charities Food Pantry has seen a significant and steady increase in clients seeking help due to food insecurity. Last month, the food pantry supported more than 12,300 individuals through its daily food window and close to 700 families through its monthly market. The Food Pantry’s busiest day on record was Wednesday, November 5, 2025, with 706 individuals served.
“November is always a busy month for us, and we have noticed the rise in demand,” said Kesling. “We will continue to do everything we can to feed and support all who come to us.”
In addition to food, the pantry also provides diapers, baby wipes, baby formula and personal hygiene products to clients. Those wishing to support the work done at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry can donate online at catholiccharitiesdm.org/donate-fp or shop the pantry’s Amazon Wish List.
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry is located at 1815 E. Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA, operating Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.