Long time Columbia food bank director announces retirement

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri is in desperate need of volunteers to help process food, after receiving pallets of potatoes and meat that will expire soon.

The call for help comes at the same time as long time Food Bank Director Peggy Kirkpatrick announces her retirement. Kirkpatrick intends to retire on December 31st of this year.

Kirkpatrick plans to stay involved with the Food Bank to help with the transition. The board plans to start a search for a successor.

“My heart’s desire is to go into full-time ministry and I believe that is what God is calling me to do at this season in my life” Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick has been with the Food Bank since 1992.

In her first year leading the organization, the Food Bank distributed 3,398,070 pounds of food.

In 2013, the Food Bank had distributed 36,445,595 pounds.

“Peggy has done an outstanding job helping feed those in need throughout the Food Bank’s 32 county service area and will be sadly missed by all for sure” said Mariel Liggett, Board President in a news release.