Ride DART and fight hunger on December 8

For one day this giving season, all cash collected on DART buses will be donated to help fight hunger in Polk County.

DART’s annual event, Fares for Food Day, will be held Thursday, Dec. 8. Any bus fares paid on Dec. 8 will be donated to the Partnership for Hunger-Free Polk County, which supports food pantries in our community. Fares are $1.75 for Local, $2 for Express, and $3.50 for Flex and On Call. Additionally, people who typically pay with passes or employer IDs can make donations of any amount by putting cash into the farebox.

Many Iowans—family, friends, neighbors and co-workers—are struggling to put food on their tables.

• 54,080 people in Polk County are food insecure
• One in five Polk County children do not have enough to eat

“Our goal is a truly hunger-free county, and when we work with organizations like DART, we can make a greater impact,” said Polk County Supervisor John F. Mauro. “The donation will directly benefit the children and families who need better access to food resources.”

A check presentation is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Polk County River Place Food Pantry.

About DART: The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is the public transportation provider that serves Polk County. DART operates a family of transportation services that makes getting around the Greater Des Moines area easier and more convenient. For more information about DART services, schedules, route changes, or directions to the nearest DART stop, visit the website at ridedart.com or call 515-283-8100. The MyDART Tools, Trip Planner and RideTime App are now available at ridedart.com.

About the Hunger Free Polk County Initiative: In 2015, Polk County Supervisor John F. Mauro initiated a conversation with key stakeholders that eventually became the Partnership for a Hunger-Free Polk County to address the county’s hunger crisis. Members of the Partnership represent a diverse range of concerned individuals and organizations, including health care providers, religious institutions, universities, senior and community centers, government agencies, food banks and food pantries. To better assess the hunger crisis, the Partnership commissioned a food insecurity study to identify obstacles and barriers for both food providers and recipients as it applies to meeting the needs for emergency food and meals in Polk County. Based on that study, the Partnership developed a plan and will act as a catalyst for change in ensuring residents have access to needed food.