In almost a year since COVID-19 completely changed how the world functioned, The Food Bank continues to provide nutrition to families through the demand. Feeding America projects more than a million Missourians are food insecure. That is 189,000 more people than in 2018, showing the impact the pandemic has on people’s financial wellbeing.
In 2020, The Food Bank distributed over 30 million pounds of food. People got help through The Food Bank more than one million times last year, receiving food at partner agencies, during Mobile Pantry distributions, and through Buddy Packs and school pantries. In 2021, those efforts continue as the pandemic stretches on.
The number of people coming to The Food Bank for help changed chaotically over the past year and continues to today. People’s savings are drained, their situations changed, and benefits to help them came and expired. Toward the end of 2020, partner agencies saw a surge of 6.45% in people served. Central Pantry alone served 12,470 people in one month; normally, that number is 10,000.
To ensure our hunger-relief mission continues, we adhere to CDC guidelines in all parts of our organization — most importantly when distributing food. Our 140 partner agencies are following The Food Bank recommendations to help limit the spread of COVID-19, like when Pantry for Adair County built an insulated booth to keep the volunteers safe from the cold when providing food through a drive-thru distribution.
The Food Bank is a consistent source of help for thousands of people every week. We regularly update our strategies to best help families safely. At the end of last year, The Food Bank began reintroducing volunteers to bolster our efforts to package and prepare food for distribution, and Central Pantry in Columbia continues to offer food through a drive-thru model one day a week while also allowing people to come into its facility to choose the food that is best for them.
Today is a challenging day for The Food Bank, and each day since the pandemic began has been challenging for The Food Bank. The days ahead will likely be the same. You can help by donating or volunteering to help us feed neighbors.