Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri to host 17th annual one-for-one food drive Wednesday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Starting Wednesday at 6 a.m., The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri will host its 17th annual One-for-One Holiday Food and Fund Drive.

The One for One Food & Fund Drive will continue for 12 hours before wrapping up at 6 p.m. at the Columbia Mall and Buchheit in Jefferson City.

According to the Food Bank's website, there are certain items they need more than others including, canned meat and protein, canned fruits and vegetables, beans, rice and canned soup.

They are also asking for donations of boxed meal kits, cereal, peanut butter and pasta. Self-care items, can openers and seasoning are also requested.

The Food Bank has asked donors to avoid donating items in glass jars or perishable foods.

Columbia Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1055 and Jefferson City Firefighters from Local 671 will be assisting at the food drives.

If you are unable to donate food, the Food Bank says they are always looking for volunteers to help out, especially after the holiday season.

In 2022, the Food Bank was able to serve as many as 100,000 people a month across central and northeast Missouri.

For every $25 dollars the food bank receives, they can help provide at least 100 meals to those in need.

In Boone County alone, they serve as many as 10,000 people per month. Partnering with schools and other agencies, they are able to distribute over 5.5 million pounds of food a year.

In Cole County, over 1.9 million pounds of food is shared per year with the help of 11 partnering agencies and almost two dozen schools.