Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri hosting kick-off event to celebrate new location

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

On Thursday, The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri is hosting a kick-off event to celebrate its new location at 705 Business Loop 70 West in Columbia. The event is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m.

The Food Bank says it's expecting the new location to help improve the neighborhood experience.

The facility's new location on the Business Loop will host visiting services so partners can share resources alongside food distribution. This is in hopes to better address the needs of neighbors working toward food security.

The new facility will also feature spaces for local partners to share resources such as housing or utility assistance. 

Currently, the Food Bank collaborates with more than 100 partners in Boone County and works with more than 145 partner agencies. 

President and CEO Lindsay Young Lopez says the new facility will help to feed hungry people beyond Mid-Missouri. 

The pantry is looking to raise $7 million which will help cover costs for the new facility, renovations, and furniture.

The pantry anticipates its new Business Loop location to open sometime in the fall.