Hunger doesn’t stop.
Technology doesn’t sleep.
From dsmHack, Hack Away Hunger: Food Insecurity Challenge is a first-of-its-kind hackathon that focuses on food insecurity in the Greater Des Moines Metro. All proceeds from this event will support the DMARC Food Pantry Network.
Food insecurity is complex—there’s no single cause, and no single solution. From transportation barriers and housing instability to underemployment and rising food costs, dozens of factors can stand between a person and their next meal. That’s why dsmHack is launching the first-of-its-kind hackathon focused on issues impacting food insecurity in the Greater Des Moines Metro: #HackAwayHunger!
This unique event brings together coders, developers, designers, agility experts, problem-solvers, etc. and nonprofit leaders working in the food insecurity space together to build real-world tech solutions that address the root causes of hunger in our community. Whether you’re a first-time hacker interested in making a difference, or a seasoned tech professional whose been with us since the beginning, we hope you’ll join us and be part of the innovation driving food stability forward!!
“I can’t help but view the world through the lens of possibilities. When I hear about issues impacting our community, I find myself pondering all the ways technology could help. Hack Away Hunger is our attempt at bringing these ideas to life.”
– Dellen Burk-Flores, dsmHack Board President
Factors that Contribute to Food Insecurity
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Loss of Safety Nets
SNAP and WIC are vital lifelines that help low-income individuals and families access nutritious food. Losing these benefits not only increases food insecurity, it also harms our local economy, with every $1 in SNAP benefits generating approximately $1.54 in economic activity.
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Food Deserts
In neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores or fresh produce, residents are more likely to experience food insecurity. When people are forced to shop in other communities, their dollars—and the tax revenue they generate—leave with them, weakening local economies and making it even harder to attract essential resources.
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How Food is Grown
Large-scale industrial farming, reduced crop diversity, and over-reliance on chemicals contribute to food insecurity by making food systems more vulnerable to climate change, depleting soil health, and limiting access to affordable, nutritious food in local communities.
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Natural Disasters / Extreme Weather
Damage to roads, storage, and supply chains can delay food access for months and lead to price spikes at the grocery store. Tools that help farmers access emergency funding, farming equipment, and a reliable workforce can play a critical role in stabilizing the food system after a crisis.
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Lack of Affordable Housing
When housing costs are high, food is often the first thing cut from the budget; leading to skipped meals, poor nutrition, and greater reliance on food assistance programs.
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Food Preservation Knowledge Gaps
Knowledge, which used to be passed down from generation to generation, has been replaced by more dependent methods of obtaining food that cost more and are less nutritious.
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Limited Childcare Access
When parents can’t find affordable childcare, it impacts their ability to work or pursue education.
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Transportation Barriers
Lack of reliable transportation can make it difficult to get to food sources.
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Educational Gaps
Individuals who drop out before graduating have an increased chance of becoming food insecure.
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Generational Poverty
Limited access to stable income, education, and resources over time, makes it harder for families to afford or access nutritious food.
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Unemployment
Sudden, unexpected changes to an individual’s income can force them to seek help from food pantries in order to survive.
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Systemic Racism
Discriminatory policies in housing, education, and employment lead to higher rates of food insecurity among communities of color.
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Mental Health
Depression or trauma can lead to difficulties managing food access or seeking help.
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Disability or Chronic Illness
Affects one’s ability to shop, cook, or work, which limits the individual’s ability to live an independent life.
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Medical Costs
Expensive treatments or prescriptions often directly compete with food budgets.
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Stigma and Shame
When someone experiences homelessness, it can trap them in a cycle of stigma and shame that prevents them from re-integrating back into society.
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Tech Barriers Delay Hunger Relief
Older adults who aren’t comfortable with technology may need to rely on volunteer-run phone services to schedule food deliveries. When volunteers are limited, this can mean days of waiting while hunger grows.
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Family Structure Changes
Separation, divorce, or the unexpected loss of a family member can significantly reduce a household’s food security. Single-parent families, often operating on one income, face a higher risk of food insecurity compared to dual-income households.
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Incarceration & Re-Entry Barriers
Formerly incarcerated individuals often face discrimination in employment and housing, contributing to poverty and food insecurity.
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Rural Isolation
Rural areas often have fewer resources and greater distances between food providers.
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Disappearing Job Markets
Shifting industries and rising automation are eliminating jobs faster than new ones are created. This is especially true in rural areas, where access to education and retraining programs that teach in-demand skills is often limited. As opportunities vanish, workers seeking stable, good-paying jobs are left with few options, often forced to relocate, downgrade, or go without.
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Lack of Education / Nutrition Literacy
Limits understanding of food choices or program eligibility.
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Immigration Status
Fear of deportation or ineligibility for federal programs can prevent access to food assistance.
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Urban Development
Gentrification can drive out affordable food options.
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Supply Chain Disruptions
Pandemic-related shortages, fuel prices, or labor issues impact availability and cost.
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Gig Economy & Irregular Income
Freelancers or gig workers often face unstable earnings without benefits like paid leave or food support.
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Lack of Access to Credit or Banking Services
Without savings or affordable credit, families have less flexibility in emergencies.
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Policy Gaps or Changes
Cuts to federal programs or bureaucratic hurdles can leave families suddenly without support.
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Utility Insecurity
Households that can’t afford gas/electricity may not be able to safely store or cook food, even if they have it.
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Language Barriers
Immigrants or refugees may struggle to navigate programs or find culturally appropriate food.
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Lack of Awareness of Resources
Many eligible individuals never access SNAP, WIC, or food pantries because they don’t know they qualify.
“Hunger is a policy choice. If we can’t rely on our elected leaders to come through for us, we are going to have to come together as a community to solve this issue on our own. We have enough data to prove that every SNAP dollar spent generates $1.54 in economic opportunity. What happens to our economy when people are starving?”
– Luke Elzinga, Prior Policy & Advocacy Manager at DMARC
Many individuals face multiple overlapping causes—for example, a single mother with a disability living in a food desert will likely face compounded barriers. Food insecurity isn't just about food — it reflects deeper societal inequities.
“Last year, over 80,000 unique individuals relied on the DMARC Food Pantry Network to meet their basic human needs. We cannot keep doing this… struggling to provide food year after year… it simply isn’t sustainable. We’re facing a crisis, and we need to do better at proactively solving the root causes.”
– Matt Unger, Prior CEO at DMARC (2024)
Thank you to our incredible sponsors!!
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