Governor Mike Parson announced $5 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to be divided among Missouri’s six regional food banks  to help citizens who continue to rely on food assistance.

The food banks serve the needs of more than 1,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and other meal sites across the state.

According to Governor Mike Parson:

“Protecting the health and well-being of Missourians is a key component of our Show Me Strong Recovery Plan, This additional funding for food banks will help ensure continued access to good nutrition for Missouri’s vulnerable citizens during these challenging times.”

The $5 million will be distributed as follows:

Harvesters Community Food Network$990,413
Ozarks Food Harvest$925,073
Second Harvest Community Food Bank$359,288
Southeast Missouri Food Bank$504,818
St. Louis Area Foodbank$1,462,145
The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri$708,263
Feeding Missouri*$50,000
Total*For training, technical assistance, & reporting$5,000,000

Feeding Missouri Executive Director Scott Baker goes on to say in a press release:

"Food is more expensive and harder to acquire, more people need it, and fewer people are available to help distribute it."

The additional funds will help keep up with higher demands and ensure food is available for struggling Missouri families. Acknowledgment and appreciation of the funding was made to Governor Parson and the state of Missouri for recognizing the need and partnering with the Feeding Missouri program to help address the problem.

If you'd like more information, the Missouri Services Navigator has information on food pantries and over 2,800 programs and services available in the state.

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