SEMO Food Bank distributes more than 14 million pounds of food in 2025

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SIKESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri Food Bank released its 2025 annual report Tuesday, detailing food distribution efforts and ongoing needs across southeast Missouri.

The food bank distributed more than 14 million pounds of food in 2025, equating to 12.34 million meals provided through a network of 140 partner agencies and direct-service programs across a 16-county service area.

According to the report, southeast Missouri continues to experience high rates of food insecurity, with 1 in 6 individuals, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 8 seniors living in households with limited access to food. The report notes that five of the most food-insecure counties in Missouri are located within the food bank’s service area.

“Last year brought challenges for our communities and our organization,” President and CEO Joey Keys said in a statement, citing spring tornadoes and disruptions to federal nutrition programs that increased demand for assistance.

Highlights from 2025 include:

5,600 seniors receiving monthly food boxes

1,110 students receiving weekend food support through school partnerships

2.68 million pounds of fresh produce distributed

354 mobile food pantry events serving an average of 200 families each

4,518 volunteers contributing more than 11,000 hours

The organization also launched a Just-in-Time Delivery Program aimed at delivering fresh food directly to rural communities with limited access to food pantries.

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank serves Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard and Wayne counties.

The full 2025 annual report is available online.