(Jefferson City, MO, December 14, 2016) The United Way of Central Missouri, the United Way of Central Missouri Foundation, and their partner agency The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri announced an exciting new initiative to feed more hungry people at a Ribbon Cutting/Press Conference held in conjunction with The Food Bank’s One-for-One Holiday Food Drive on Wednesday morning at the K-Mart parking lot. The United Way of Central Missouri Foundation provided the financial support to purchase this mobile pantry truck and the United Way of Central Missouri will gift this new mobile pantry truck to The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri to bring food to pockets of poverty in our community which will overcome the transportation barrier that many low income families face.
“In 2015, The United Way of Central Missouri formed the Bold Idea Subcommittee after The Food Bank approached the United Way to ask for help to look for strategies to address the disparity between the level of poverty in Cole County and the food being distributed,” said Ann Bax. “Based on the number of people in poverty and pounds of food distributed, Cole County had been experiencing a 1 million pound shortfall. The existing food pantries in Cole County do an incredible job feeding hungry people in our community; we are so proud of the work they do and their tireless efforts to address hunger in Cole County. Given the local food pantries are at capacity, the committee was formed to brainstorm additional ways to meet the hunger need in our community. It is thanks to the passion and tireless efforts of many volunteers and businesses that this Bold Idea came into fruition, including the Bold Idea Subcommittee, United Way of Central Missouri Foundation Board, the United Way of Central Missouri Board, The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, Luetkemeyer Signs, and Scheppers International Truck Center.”
“This mobile pantry will allow us to distribute even more food to residents living in need in Cole County. We are so appreciative of the United Way of Central Missouri and the United Way of Central Missouri Foundation for the truck and for all of the support they give us throughout the year. They are true partners in our mission to share food and bring hope,” said Lindsay Young Lopez, Executive Director of The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.
“Together, we are fighting hunger and food insecurity for our neighbors, families, and friends in need. Thank you to our community for making this possible so we can continue to provide hope for a better tomorrow,” said Bax.
Individuals can participate in The Food Bank’s One-for-One Holiday Drive until 6 PM today on Missouri Boulevard in the parking lots of K-Mart and Ace Hardware, or can listen all day at Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group stations Clear99, KTGR 100.5, Y107, The Eagle 93.9, 96.7 KCMQ, 94.3 Kat Country, KWOS 950, 101.9, The Wave or online at MidMOToday.com.
The new Mobile Pantry Food Truck will begin serving food in 2017 and a schedule of the pantry locations will be made available once confirmed. To receive food from the Mobile Pantry Food Truck, other mobile trucks, and pantries; the following are required: photo ID, social security card for each member of the household, and proof of address (such as a piece of mail). Approximately 4-8 volunteers are needed to work each pantry location, and the United Way encourages organizations interested in volunteering to contact the United Way of Central Missouri at 573-636-4100 or to complete a volunteer form on the website.
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About United Way of Central Missouri
With 400+ volunteers and more than $1.921 million raised in 2016, United Way of Central Missouri and its 28 partner agencies touch more than 88,900 lives in our community, helping people live their best possible lives. We provide services in seven counties in Central Missouri; including Camden, Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, and southern Callaway; to create community solutions that improve life for our families, friends, and neighbors. Since our inception in 1925, United Way of Central Missouri has partnered with local businesses and organizations to remain a vibrant resource in our community. For more information about United Way of Central Missouri, please visit UnitedWaycemo.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@UnitedWayCeMo).
Media Contact
Amber Gibler
amber.gibler@unitedwaycemo.org
(573) 636-4100
