What’s Shaking in Des Moines

There’s always room for Jell-O, especially in Des Moines, Iowa. According to a new survey, Des Moines leads the nation in per-capita Jell-O gelatin consumption, beating Salt Lake City for top billing. “Now that we’re on top of the Jell-O pile, we intend to stay there,” Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels said.

Although Jell-O officials couldn’t say why Des Moines leads the pack, some residents pointed to the prevalence of church functions, the city’s family-oriented activities and the state’s large elderly population, which ranks third nationally with people older than 65.

The Rev. Richard Rehfeldt, pastor of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, can attest to the popularity of the molded dessert. “We here at this congregation have a monthly gathering of our senior citizens,” he said, “and there’s always Jell-O.”