Riedel Foundation Awards $10K Grant to Boost Food Pantry Supplies in Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A generous grant of $10,000 from the Riedel Foundation will help provide 40,000 meals to Hannibal residents facing food insecurity. This food will be distributed by The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri and will be available at local partners like Douglass Community Services, Harvest Outreach, and the Salvation Army.

Food insecurity affects many in Marion County. Recent data from Feeding America shows that one in seven residents struggle to access enough nutritious food. This means over 4,000 people in the county lack steady access to the healthy food they need for a good life. Kate Pankey from The Food Bank highlighted the serious impact of food insecurity, linking it to chronic health issues in adults, such as hypertension and diabetes. For children, it can lead to behavioral problems and hinder their academic success.

Last year, The Food Bank distributed an impressive 925,000 pounds of food in Marion County, equivalent to about 740,000 meals. By leveraging their partnerships and bulk purchasing capabilities, The Food Bank maximizes its impact. For instance, they can transform every $1,000 donated into roughly 4,000 meals.

Michael Gaines, a trustee of the Riedel Foundation, emphasized the efficiency of this approach to help those in need in Hannibal. This collaboration demonstrates how community support and strategic partnerships can tackle food insecurity head-on.

Food banks like this are crucial in times of economic uncertainty. Recent statistics show that food insecurity rates have risen across the U.S. since the pandemic, highlighting a growing need for support. By shining a light on these issues, we can foster greater awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding food assistance programs.

This grant is not just a financial boost; it’s a lifeline for many families, reminding us that when communities come together, they can make a significant difference.

For those interested in how food banks operate and their broader impact, check out the Feeding America website to learn more about their work and statistics on food insecurity.



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Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri,Riedel Foundation