Good morning, West Des Moines.

On Monday, the Des Moines Area Religious Council set a record by serving 2,494 individuals—the busiest day in its 50-year history—after SNAP benefits were delayed, with one in three served enrolled in SNAP.

Officials now await guidance from Iowa Health and Human Services as reduced SNAP allotments for November take effect.

The Johnston Partnership for a Healthy Community sees rising demand in its combined pantry—where local families get food and clothing—for help after SNAP benefits were paused.

The executive director reported a monthly 10% increase in visits and said the pantry expects even more use this November as residents struggle with economic strain.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar will open at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines in late 2026 or early 2027 and will offer a conveyor belt sushi experience with small Japanese dishes and custom orders via tablets—its robot server Kur-B will deliver drinks and condiments to support a high-tech dining experience.

West Des Moines voters approved a $135 million bond referendum for the Community School District that will fund eight projects such as a new activities facility and performing arts center—69.3% cast their yes vote on the measure.

On Tuesday, voters in five metro school districts considered bond measures that proposed a $265 million renovation plan for Des Moines Public Schools and a $51 million project in Southeast Polk to build a new elementary school—West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Dallas Center-Grimes also asked for bonds of $135 million, $130 million and $88 million that could raise property taxes by about $200 a year.

Holiday Social 2025

5-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $30 per person — Enjoy appetizers and drinks at this festive community gathering.

Judges DSM Dining Experience

5:45-7:45 p.m. — Judges — Price varies — Enjoy elevated dining with creative dishes and house-made cocktails at this new Des Moines restaurant.

Russian Conversation Club

1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Lighthearted conversations for both native speakers and those eager to learn Russian.

Des Moines Holiday Boutique

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — EMC Expo Center — $12 online; $14 at the door — Explore an array of unique gifts from over 130 local and national vendors this holiday season.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 admission — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities for all ages and skill levels.

28th Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference

1:45-10:30 p.m. — Blank Children's Hospital Education & Research Center — Registration required — Gain insights into pediatric care with expert-led discussions and networking opportunities.

SCORE Lunch & Learn: Financial Foundations for Small Businesses

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Elevator Co-Warehousing Community — Free entry — Learn essential accounting skills and loan preparation strategies to empower your small business success.

Drop-In Tech Help

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free assistance — Get help with your devices at the library's drop-in tech support session.

Les Miserables

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the epic tale of broken dreams and redemption in this celebrated musical.

Morning Meet Up – MoM November Gathering

10-11 a.m. — The Slow Down Coffee Co. — Free entry — Connect with fellow parents of Asian & Pacific Islander children in a supportive environment.