SEMO Food Bank announces second canned goods campaign

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI)- February is National Canned Food Month, and Southeast Missouri Food Bank is encouraging businesses and organizations to help local pantries replenish their shelves with the second annual “You CAN Fight Hunger” campaign.

“Typically, there are a lot of resources available during the holiday season,” said Camille Peters, SEMO Food Bank’s chief impact officer. “But then you come into the early part of the year, and people still need food assistance, especially when you think about the cold weather we’ve had and how that is going to drive up heat bills. ‘You CAN Fight Hunger comes at the perfect time to help our partner pantries stock up after the holidays and help neighbors facing hunger in their communities.”

Businesses and organizations can opt to host a virtual food drive, traditional canned food drive or both to participate in the campaign; if they opt for a traditional food drive, they will be paired with a pantry in their community so all donations will stay local.

“This is our second year for this campaign, and we’re excited to see it grow,” said Sarah M. Garner, chief advancement officer for the food bank. “Whether you choose to do a virtual food drive or traditional, it’s a great way to support your community. Ask your costumers to get involved, or, if you have multiple offices or locations, you can even hold a competition to see who brings in the most items.”

Businesses already participating in this year’s You CAN Fight Hunger campaign include Cape Realtors, Community Counseling Center, Family Counseling Center, Missouri Delta Medical Center, Procter & Gamble and TAG Trucking. Participating businesses will receive marketing materials and be promoted on the food bank’s social media.

If you are interested in hosting a drive or would like more information, contact Garner at 573-471-1818 or sagarner@semofoodbank.org.

Southeast Missouri Food Bank serves about 80,000 individuals each month through a network of 140 partner agencies and other programs. The food bank’s 16-county service area has some of the highest rates of hunger in the state, where one in seven families, one in six children and one in eight seniors are food insecure.