Meals on Wheels launches hydroponics farming at new Des Moines campus
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Meals on Wheels' new location at 3206 University Ave. in DSM was the answer to yesterday's "Where's Jason" question. Axios Des Moines reader Mona Gude won one of our shirts. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
Meals on Wheels' (MOW) new Des Moines headquarters officially opens today.
Why it matters: The group's local program serves low- or no-cost meals to about 1,000 military veterans or people older than 60 every day.
- There were warnings the service would end if the headquarters project was not successful.
Plus, the new location will include a new restaurant from Lynn Pritchard, owner of 503 Cocktail Lab and Table 128, in coming months.
- Hugo's Wood Fired Kitchen will serve "trans-Mediterranean" foods like pizzas, flatbreads, fish and salads, reports local food reviewer Wini Moranville. It'll have its own dining space when open.
Catch up fast: MOW's local operations are run by WesleyLife Community Services, largely throug volunteers and donations.
- It had outgrown its longtime site in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, which supporters at the time said jeopardized its ability to continue operating.
- A campaign was launched about two years ago, resulting in a $13 million project to relocate and renovate Drake University's former education building.
Details: The site is more than 17,000 square feet and has a commercial kitchen, allowing it to triple the number of meals it serves.
- The building also includes rental space for community events that can be catered by Hugo's or the MOW kitchen, spokesperson Shannon Draayer tells Axios.
Check it out: Gov. Kim Reynolds provides remarks about the new campus during a ceremony at 3:30pm today, 3206 University Ave.
- Free public tours of the site are from 4-5pm.