Discover the dedicated food banks in Missouri that are tirelessly working to combat hunger and provide essential food assistance to communities across the state. From the bustling city of St. Louis to the rural regions of Southeast Missouri, these organizations ensure that no one goes hungry by distributing millions of meals annually. Learn about the crucial services offered by Feeding Missouri, St. Louis Area Foodbank, The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, Southeast Missouri Food Bank, and Ozarks Food Harvest, and find out how you can get involved in supporting your local food bank today.
Feeding Missouri
Feeding Missouri is a statewide coalition of six major food banks dedicated to providing hunger relief across every county in Missouri. Through a vast network of over 1,500 community feeding programs, they distribute more than 120 million pounds of food annually, ensuring that food reaches those in need throughout the state.
- Location: 2600 Willow Springs Road, P.O. Box 104952, Jefferson City, MO 65110
- Service Counties: All counties in Missouri
- Contact Number: (573) 355-7758
- Website: Feeding Missouri
St. Louis Area Foodbank
St. Louis Area Foodbank works to provide food assistance to the St. Louis region and its surrounding counties through partnerships with over 600 hunger-relief programs and local agencies. Their efforts focus on collecting and distributing millions of pounds of food to those in need, ensuring no one in their service area goes hungry.
- Location: 70 Corporate Woods Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044
- Service Counties: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, and surrounding counties
- Contact Number: (314) 292-6262
- Website: St. Louis Area Foodbank
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri serves 32 counties, providing food assistance to approximately 100,000 people each month. Their services include the Food Bank Market, which enhances food access and offers additional essential services to support long-term food security.
- Location: 2101 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, MO 65202
- Service Counties: Adair, Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Knox, Lewis, Linn, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, Sullivan
- Contact Number: (573) 474-1020
- Website: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri
Southeast Missouri Food Bank
Southeast Missouri Food Bank supports residents across 16 counties, distributing food through local pantries, mobile food pantries, and various hunger-relief programs. They focus on addressing food insecurity and ensuring access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
- Location: 600 State Highway H, Sikeston, MO 63801
- Service Counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard, Wayne
- Contact Number: (573) 471-1818
- Website: Southeast Missouri Food Bank
Ozarks Food Harvest
Ozarks Food Harvest serves 28 counties in southwest Missouri, distributing over 1.4 million meals per month. Their programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Mobile Food Pantry, and Senior Food Program, among others, aimed at alleviating hunger and providing nutritious food to those in need.
- Location: 2810 N. Cedarbrook Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803
- Service Counties: Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Pulaski, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Webster, Wright
- Contact Number: (417) 865-3411
- Website: Ozarks Food Harvest
How Missouri Food Banks Operate
Missouri food banks operate through a coordinated network of local pantries, community programs, and various hunger-relief initiatives. They collect food donations from manufacturers, retailers, and the general public. These donations are then sorted, stored, and distributed to ensure they reach individuals and families in need. Food banks also engage in advocacy, education, and partnerships with local organizations to address the root causes of hunger and promote food security across the state.
How to Donate to Food Banks in Missouri
- Monetary Donations: Financial contributions are essential for food banks to purchase food and supplies, maintain operations, and support various programs.
- Food Donations: Non-perishable food items can be donated directly to food banks or through organized food drives.
- Online Donations: Many food banks have online portals where you can make secure donations.
- Corporate Donations: Businesses can contribute through corporate giving programs, food donations, or by organizing employee volunteer events.
- Volunteer Time: Volunteering your time at local food banks or community feeding programs is a valuable way to contribute.
- Fundraising Events: Participate in or organize fundraising events to support food banks.
- Planned Giving: Include food banks in your estate planning or make long-term financial commitments.
Importance of Missouri Food Banks
Missouri food banks play a crucial role in combating hunger and food insecurity within the state. They provide essential nutrition to individuals and families who might otherwise go without, supporting their health and well-being. Food banks also help to reduce food waste by rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to those in need. By addressing immediate hunger needs and working on long-term solutions, food banks contribute significantly to the overall social and economic stability of Missouri communities.