A mobile pantry is essentially a food pantry on wheels, bringing food right where it is needed most. The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri operates 16 mobile pantry distributions monthly across our 32-county service area. One of the primary benefits of a mobile pantry is the ability to bring food to families and individuals in need, focusing on neighborhoods lacking brick and mortar pantries or with more need than agencies in the area can handle.
What exactly is a mobile pantry? It is a beverage truck that has been converted to act as a pantry on wheels. The truck arrives at its distribution location, the sides open up and the food is unloaded onto tables. Families and individuals line up and are able to get the food they need. The mobile pantry trucks are refrigerated, allowing The Food Bank to stock them with as much fresh produce, protein and dairy as possible.
“I have never seen an individual so excited about receiving fresh fruits and vegetables in my life,” said Anna Jones, a community health worker in Pettis County about one of her clients who receives food from a mobile pantry in her area, made possible by a grant from Tyson Foods.
Each time a mobile pantry shows up, it requires about 8-10 volunteers to help facilitate the distribution. If you are interested in helping volunteer at a mobile pantry in your area, please contact our Volunteer Programs Coordinator. It is a truly amazing experience to help feed neighbors in need.
Find upcoming mobile pantry distributions on our events calendar here.