About Desert Spring
Community Resource Center
Serving with
Compassion
DSCRC is a community-building
partner connecting neighbors to
food, resources, and hope.
About Desert Spring Community Resource Center
Serving with Compassion
DSCRC is a community-building partner connecting neighbors to food, resources, and hope.
About Desert Spring Community Resource Center
Desert Spring Community Resource Center (DSCRC) began in 2020 as a volunteer-led response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Desert Spring United Methodist Church (DSUMC) started the effort to help neighbors access groceries during a difficult time.
At first, the program offered Saturday drive-through grocery distribution.
However, that early work quickly showed a broader need for connection, support, and practical help.
In 2022, DSCRC became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit on the DSUMC campus. Today, it continues to serve neighbors through food access and social service referrals.
As community needs grew, DSUMC expanded the space available on its campus. The expansion tripled the pantry’s size and added a private office for one-on-one support.
The larger pantry became Good Choice Pantry. Its name reflects the client-choice model, which allows individuals and families to choose foods that fit their needs and preferences.
In addition, the pantry offers essential non-food items when available. These may include diapers, hygiene products, household supplies, and other basic items.
Good Choice Pantry also promotes healthier food choices through Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP). SWAP uses a nationally recognized, evidence-based stoplight system based on the Nutrition Guidelines for the Charitable Food System.
DSCRC also partners with Open Table Network to expand its social service referral support. Through Open Table’s community-based model, trained volunteers provide consistent, relationship-centered guidance to vulnerable individuals.
Rather than using a transactional approach, the model builds social capital and encourages long-term self-sufficiency. As a result, neighbors can receive support that feels personal, steady, and practical.
Although the church community founded DSCRC, the organization is not faith-based. Grants, community donations, civic club support, and fee-for-service contracts help fund its work.
ABOUT Desert Spring Community Resource Center
Desert Spring Community Resource Center (DSCRC) began in 2020 as a volunteer-led response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Desert Spring United Methodist Church (DSUMC) started the effort to help neighbors access groceries during a difficult time.
At first, the program offered Saturday drive-through grocery distribution. However, that early work quickly showed a broader need for connection, support, and practical help.
In 2022, DSCRC became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit on the DSUMC campus. Today, it continues to serve neighbors through food access and social service referrals.
As community needs grew, DSUMC expanded the space available on its campus. The expansion tripled the pantry’s size and added a private office for one-on-one support.
The larger pantry became Good Choice Pantry. Its name reflects the client-choice model, which allows individuals and families to choose foods that fit their needs and preferences.
In addition, the pantry offers essential non-food items when available. These may include diapers, hygiene products, household supplies, and other basic items.
Good Choice Pantry also promotes healthier food choices through Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP). SWAP uses a nationally recognized, evidence-based stoplight system based on the Nutrition Guidelines for the Charitable Food System.
DSCRC also partners with Open Table Network to expand its social service referral support. Through Open Table’s community-based model, trained volunteers provide consistent, relationship-centered guidance to vulnerable individuals.
Rather than using a transactional approach, the model builds social capital and encourages long-term self-sufficiency. As a result, neighbors can receive support that feels personal, steady, and practical.
Although the church community founded DSCRC, the organization is not faith-based. Grants, community donations, civic club support, and fee-for-service contracts help fund its work.
Our Staff
Peggy Morache
Director
Peggy is an experienced nonprofit leader who has led organizations across the country, including an American Red Cross chapter in Kingston, New York. Most recently, she served as CEO of a Central Washington food access nonprofit, growing it into a $5 million organization with a broad range of community programs.
She was named Person of the Year by the Daily Record in 2020 and joined DSCRC in October 2025.
Christopher Palkow
Operations Manager
Chris Palkow joined DSCRC in 2026 and oversees the day-to-day operations of Good Choice Pantry, including volunteer coordination, Grocery Rescue, inventory management, and pantry distribution.
Chris brings experience in operations management, logistics, and community engagement. He is passionate about supporting volunteers, expanding food access, and ensuring every client is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.