In a time of pandemic, as grocery stories try to keep up, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank is also working to help with the demand, especially as it applies to those in need.
“SEMO Food Bank has seen a dramatic increase already for demand for food assistance due to COVID-19 economic impacts,” says Joey Keys, the organization’s President and CEO.
The Food Bank has 140 agencies throughout their network in the service area. He says in this time of need, other organizations are looking to work together.
“We’re seeing partners throughout the community who want to partner with us from mobile food pantries,” he says. “And we’re also releasing our drive-through mobile food pantries as well, as drive-through mobiles [are] the best way to keep social distancing and protect clients and the volunteers at these distribution.”
Hoarding has impacted some community members because of the inability of some in the community to afford to buy larger amounts of food at a time, Keys said.
Additionally, Keys says if anyone needs help signing for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the Food Bank can assist with that as well.
They can be reached at (573) 471-1818.