Southeast Missouri Food Bank distributes 14.16 million pounds of food in 2024
SIKESTON, Mo. — Southeast Missouri Food Bank distributed 14.16 million pounds of food, providing 12.88 million meals, to individuals facing hunger in 2024.
According to Joey Keys, chief executive officer of Southeast Missouri Food Bank, food insecurity increased nationwide and locally last year.
The food bank serves 16 counties in southeast Missouri, where hunger rates are among the highest in the state. One in six individuals, one in five children, and one in eight seniors live in food-insecure homes.
In response to growing needs, the food bank developed a three-year strategic plan with the help of a grant-funded consultant.
Highlights from 2024 include:
— Providing monthly food boxes to 5,575 senior citizens
— Partnering with local school districts to provide weekend food to 1,119 students
— Distributing over 2.6 million pounds of fresh produce
— Holding 314 mobile food distributions
The food bank’s complete 2024 Annual Report is available online.
About Southeast Missouri Food Bank:
The mission of Southeast Missouri Food Bank is to end hunger and leverage food to build healthy communities. The food bank provides food to 140 charitable programs and holds regular mobile distributions.
Those interested in helping can make a tax-deductible contribution, donate food, or volunteer.
