Food Bank Market in Columbia serves more than 11,000 people in its first month
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Food Bank Market opened its doors along Business Loop on Nov. 1, and spokesperson Katie Adkins said it served around 11,000 people in its first month.
Adkins said the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri staff wasn't sure what to expect when it opened the Market last month, but knew it would be an easier location for people to access. She said they were serving around 10,000 per month at Central Pantry, and the Food Bank Market has exceeded that number.
She said the 11,000 people served in November doesn't include people who walked in the doors to grab items in the Sharing Room to get them through the month or people who received things like senior boxes or emergency boxes.
"We know that we're serving a lot more people and we're glad that the space is so visible because it's going to help educate more people, one about the need that we have in our community, but two, that this is a space that's for them and it's here if they need us," Adkins said.
The Food Bank wanted to create a grocery store-like atmosphere inside the Market with space, aisles and a shopping experience for those who need food.
"We know that food is the foundation for everything else in life, but also we think that it is everyone's right to have this dignified experience with shopping," Adkins said. "We want to make sure that when people come here, they feel like they have choices. They feel like they are empowered to select the foods that they want."
When people step into the Market, they are given a shopping list that shows how many items they are allowed to take depending on their family size. They are then able to pick out things like produce, meats, grains, dairy and canned goods at no cost. A dietitian demonstrates how to cook with the items available at the Market and gives taste tests.
Adkins said food security doesn't just mean having food, it means having healthy food to sustain an active lifestyle. She said 64% of what the Food Bank shares is what they call "foods to encourage," such as fresh or frozen produce, whole grains, lean meats and dairy.
"This is a space at the Food Bank Market if you need nutritious food ... you can come and get it," Adkins said.
The Food Bank is gearing up to host its 17th annual One for One Holiday Food and Fund Drive on Wednesday. Adkins said food donated at the food drive will be taken back to the Food Bank to be sorted and shared across its 32-county area, with some coming back to the Food Bank Market.
However, she said monetary donations go the furthest, with the Food Bank being able to share 100 meals for every $25 donated.
The One for One Holiday Food and Fund Drive is taking place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Columbia Mall and in Jefferson City at Buchheit.
People can also donate at sharefoodbringhope.org.
The Food Bank is also seeking volunteers. Adkins said one of the biggest needs at the Food Bank Market is volunteers to greet people who walk in the doors and bag groceries for shoppers.
The Food Bank Market is located at 705 Business Loop 70 W. in Columbia and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
