SEMO Food Bank aims to fill all volunteer shifts during Volunteer Appreciation Month
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SIKESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — The Southeast Missouri Food Bank is encouraging community members to help fill every volunteer shift during April as part of Volunteer Appreciation Month.
The food bank said it hopes to reach 100 percent of volunteer shifts throughout the month at its volunteer centers in Jackson and Sikeston. To help more people participate, the organization has added select Saturday and evening volunteer opportunities.
“Volunteers are the heart of the fight to end hunger in Southeast Missouri,” said Joey Keys, president and CEO of Southeast Missouri Food Bank. “Every meal distributed begins with volunteers.”
In 2025, the food bank reported that 4,518 volunteers contributed more than 11,370 hours of service, valued at nearly $350,000 in labor. Volunteers assist with sorting food, packing senior food boxes and preparing distributions for families, children and seniors.
The Southeast Missouri Food Bank serves families, children, veterans and seniors through a network of about 140 partner agencies and programs across a 16-county service area. Officials say food insecurity remains a significant issue in the region, where about one in six individuals, one in four children and one in eight seniors live in food-insecure households.
The organization is encouraging individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups to sign up for volunteer shifts during April. Opportunities are available for both groups and individuals.
