COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri is gearing up for its annual One for One Holiday Food and Fund Drive this Wednesday. But there’s a reminder that the spirit of giving shouldn’t end with the holidays.
“After the holidays, we often notice a dip in volunteers, especially from college students,” said Katie Adkins, Chief Communications Officer for the food bank. “When they leave campus to go home, we lose a lot of support.”
Every year, around 10,000 volunteers step up to help. In 2024, the food bank delivered over 21 million meals across 32 counties. According to their annual report, this effort provided an economic impact of around $81.2 million for the community.
There are several volunteer opportunities, such as sorting food for seniors and veterans or helping in the grocery market. “Most opportunities only take a few hours, so they’re quick and enjoyable,” Adkins added. No specialized training is needed to get started in the volunteer room.
Volunteers help keep costs down. “Every hour donated saves us money, allowing us to purchase more food,” Adkins explained.
James Quade, a dedicated volunteer, echoed this sentiment. He has been volunteering with his church for several years. His group packs boxes with non-perishable items like cereal and rice. “If you have zero experience, they’ll get you going in 30 seconds. It’s really rewarding,” Quade shared.
He also highlighted a crucial point about the local community: “Boone County has a poverty rate of about 25%. The need is continuous, and we all have a role to play, whether we’re receiving help or providing it.”
The One for One Holiday Food Fund Drive will be held at Columbia Mall and Buchheit in Jefferson City on Dec. 17, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more ways to help, check the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri’s website. Your support makes all the difference in the lives of many.
In recent years, community engagement through social media has become crucial. A post by the food bank recently went viral, with over 3,000 shares. This kind of outreach can lead to increased donations, demonstrating how social media can amplify local efforts.
As we embrace the season of giving, remember that hunger doesn’t take a break after the holidays. Engaging with local efforts like the Food Bank is a powerful way to support your community.
