Mary’s Meals Grows in Financial Support, Volunteers, and Prayers

August 18, 2025

Since Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow first shared about his charity, Mary’s Meals, with Iowans at the 2010 Christ Our Life Catholic Conference, he’s had support.

The latest is a benefit concert Aug. 28 at Jasper Winery in Des Moines from 6-9 p.m. Heartland for Kids will present the concert featuring Phoenix Mendoza, John Leo, and Kitty Steadman, with emcee Willie Farrell. A free-will donation for meals will be available with wine and beer for purchase.

Iowa has become “a critical contributor to our grassroots support,” said Helena Finnegan, spokeswoman for Mary’s Meals. Last year’s concert raised more than $31,000.

MacFarlane-Barrow’s charity feeds school children in 16 countries struggling with hunger. If the children attend school, they will get a meal.

The benefit concert is just one event that supports Mary’s Meals. Others include musician Steve Angrisano concerts (Aug. 7-17 across the Davenport and Dubuque dioceses) and an annual race. Last Mother’s Day weekend, the race raised enough funds to feed 317 children for a year, or $7,900.

The support for Mary’s Meals comes from financial contributions, volunteer time, and prayers, Finnegan said.

“It’s a movement that seems to have spread and continues to grow,” she said. In September, Mary’s Meals will expand its
school feeding program from 2.6 million to 3 million children, a milestone made possible by global grassroots support including regions like Iowa.

MacFarlane-Barrow’s approach of offering a meal for children who come to school encourages them to stay for an education, which helps break the cycle of poverty and hunger.

It costs $25.20 to feed a child for a year through Mary’s Meals.

“Magnus calls it lots of little acts of love. Everybody is able to be a part of the solution,” Finnegan said. “It’s really lovely to see the growth and impact Iowa has made for school feeding. It’s very, very heartening.”