Food insecurity

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Heather Collier, Donor Relations and Communications Manager at the Southeast Missouri Food Bank. She discusses their efforts to support communities affected by recent severe storms and tornadoes in Southeast Missouri. The food bank serves 80,000 individuals monthly across 16 counties, working with 140 partner agencies. They have conducted seven food distributions since March 14, with more planned despite challenges posed by flooding.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Heather Collier, Donor Relations and Communications Manager at the Southeast Missouri Food Bank. She discusses their efforts to support communities affected by recent severe storms and tornadoes in Southeast Missouri. The food bank serves 80,000 individuals monthly across 16 counties, working with 140 partner agencies. They have conducted seven food distributions since March 14, with more planned despite challenges posed by flooding.

Rural communities in Missouri are preparing for a difficult reality as the possibility of federal cuts to programs like Medicaid, coupled with a decline in donations, start to severely impact their ability to meet the needs of their residents.

Missouri children who depend on school meals for nutrition can now receive food assistance over the summer. Through the SuN Bucks program, families are given a one-time $120 EBT benefit per child to help cover grocery costs during the break.

Nestled in the heart of Cape Girardeau, South Side Farms stands as a beacon of hope in a food desert, dedicated to transforming lives through access to fresh, nutritious produce.Founded eight years ago by Jimmy Wilferth, the farm emerged from an encounter with a young student facing hunger during school breaks. This moment ignited a mission to ensure that no one would go hungry in an area where healthy food options were scarce.

Nestled in the heart of Cape Girardeau, South Side Farms stands as a beacon of hope in a food desert, dedicated to transforming lives through access to fresh, nutritious produce.Founded eight years ago by Jimmy Wilferth, the farm emerged from an encounter with a young student facing hunger during school breaks. This moment ignited a mission to ensure that no one would go hungry in an area where healthy food options were scarce.

Missouri sees a disproportionate impact of strokes and other health conditions on women, particularly Black women. Advocates say addressing challenges such as limited access to healthy food options, better resources in underserved communities and timely stroke care are key.

Chris Furusa is a SEMO student from Zimbabwe who came to the United States and found a purpose beyond himself. His actions have impacted and uplifted the people of Cape Girardeau through his love for Christ.

Attendees at a Child Wellness Summit in Missouri united against child food insecurity as COVID benefits near their end, urging action for vulnerable families.

Missouri will join 35 states and four Native American tribes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Assistance Program. It's known as "Summer EBT," because it uses electronic benefits cards to supply an additional $40 per month to lower-income parents to purchase food.