Southeast Missouri Food Bank fights to lower hunger rates in Missouri as inflation continues to rise
SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – September is hunger action month and to raise awareness the Southeast Missouri Food Bank is hosting several events this month.
To help raise awareness around food insecurity in Southeast Missouri the Southeast Missouri food bank hosted a food distribution and resource fair event on Monday, September 9th.
Joey Keyes is the is the President and CEO of Southeast Missouri Food Bank. He says hunger is an issue in the area.
“So, we serve around 70-80 thousand people per month between direct service agencies and also our partner agencies throughout the service area. This is a big need in Southeast Missouri. We have very high hunger rates. Some of the biggest in the state.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics grocery prices are 22.33% higher than they were in 2020. Showing a significant increase in inflation.
Darlene Robinson attended the event, and she says the cost of nutrition is higher than it used to be.
“The price of food at the grocery is outrageous. It’s hard to get everything you need to feel like you’re having a good nutritious meal.”
Robinson shares that with the cost of grocery prices going up she struggles to put food on the table for just herself.
“One bag double bagged you can go through a franklin which is 100 and not even have enough food to serve me through the week” says Robinson.
Today’s event not only provided a food box to those in need but connected community members to over 20 different types of resources, such as childcare, VA, food stamps and much more.
“Alot of families are struggling right now to put food on the table and get utilities paid and other bills and expenditures so it’s really important that people are aware of all the resources available and all the other great nonprofits and social services organizations that are here to provide resources to the community” says Keyes.
If you missed today’s event Keyes says they are doing a number of things to give back to the community during hunger action month and you can find more details on those here.
