Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri awarded $1 Million of ARPA funding
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Boone County Commission has awarded The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri $1 million as part of the first round of American Rescue Plan Act funding from Boone County.
On Friday, the Food Bank hosted the Commissioners which included a check presentation and tour of its new location, the Food Bank Market.
Lindsay Lopez, President and CEO of the organization said the money will be used to support all aspects of the project.
“This one million dollar gift will support the entire project and all of the great things that we are doing as a result of the market and ultimately how it will benefit the the whole person that we will be serving through the neighbors we serve,” she said.
The food bank hopes it's new 36,000 square foot facilityFOOD BANK HOPES ITS 36-thousand-square-foot facility be a one-stop spot for those dealing with food insecurity, include a check-in point, visiting and retail spaces, medical examination rooms, nutrition education, cooking classes and more.
The market is still under renovation, located at 705 Business Loop 70 W. It is set to be completed by the end of this fall.
Earlier this week the Boone County Commission announced that it had awarded five groups more than a$1 million from the ARPA funding, including the Food Bank.
The Commission was given about $12 million from the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021. More than 100 organizations applied for grants before the deadline this past March.
After reviewing the applications, the county chose 26 organizations to award grants to.
These decisions weren’t made lightly," said Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick. "We’re proud of all the work you guys have been doing over the years and we are honored to to just play a small part in the future success of the market."
The existing Central Pantry provides food to about 10,000 residents in Boone County per month. The new location hopes to improve access to food and act as a hub for sharing food and other good practices.
