New Food Bank Market opens, providing multiple services for the community
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The new location for The Food Bank Market is opening its doors Wednesday at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., providing more than just food for the community.
The Food Bank Market, part of the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, will provide food and services for community members in need at no cost.
There is a check in process for the market. You will start at the check in desk and answer a few demographic questions to figure out your household needs. Workers will then compile a list with the number of items from each section of the market you can have based on your household size. Someone affiliated with the food bank will then check you out and make sure you didn't go under or over your limit to make sure everyone has a fair amount of food for their needs.
The new Food Bank Market space is larger than the old Central Pantry on Big Bear Blvd., looking to create a more accessible retail space and grocery store feel.
All operations at the existing Central Pantry will now be moved to the new location.
In addition to food shopping there will also be programs to help reduce food stigma, improve neighbor experience and support.
Spaces inside the building will be dedicated to teaching neighbors about nutritional cooking, food preparation and cooking classes.
There will also be spots in the building to educate visitors on health insurance, medicare and more.
The food bank has partnered with Compass Heathcare Network, who will have a section in the building. They will provide easy and convenient preventative and primary care health services.
According to the food bank's Facebook page, they are anticipating longer lines than usual and are asking to come later in the day so volunteers and staff can smoothly maintain operations.
As we previously reported, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Missouri Ranks eighth for states with higher than average food insecurity.
