SEMO Food Bank receives $63,700 grant to support veterans program

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SIKESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri Food Bank has received a $63,700 grant to support a program that provides nutritious food to veterans across the region.

The funding comes from the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust and will support the organization’s Veterans Healthy Food Program, which distributes monthly food boxes to participating veterans.

The program serves veterans in Southeast Missouri through distribution sites in Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each month, veterans receive at least 30 pounds of food, including lean protein, fruits and vegetables.

“This is a program with proven results,” said Joey Keys, chief executive officer of SEMO Food Bank. “When veterans have consistent access to healthy food, it directly supports their overall well-being.”

The program began in 2019 in partnership with the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff and expanded to Cape Girardeau in 2024.

Officials said survey data shows 88% of participating veterans reported improved health outcomes with increased access to nutritious food.

Veterans can get more information about distributions by calling 573-778-4386.

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank serves about 80,000 people each month across a 16-county region.