Food insecurity is at a 10-year high in Mid Missouri; government shutdown and upcoming holidays adding to the strain
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Food insecurity is at a 10-year high in Mid Missouri, and the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri says demand has increased since the government shutdown in October and November.
The demand became noticeable in October when concerns grew around SNAP benefits during the country's longest government shutdown. The Food Bank said since SNAP funding returned in November, there has been an improvement, but the need is still high.
The market served 3,196 people last week -- 68 of them new. One-in-seven people in Missouri, including 1-in-5 children, are food insecure. The Food Bank serves 100,000 people across central and northeast Missouri each month. The Food Bank has increased spending on general food purchases by more than 157% compared to 2024.
Katie Geisler, spokeswoman for the Food Bank, said the holiday season can also bring food insecurity to the forefront because food is so central to celebrations.
The Food Bank is set to host its 19th annual One for One Holiday Food & Fund Drive on Wednesday. Items gathered will provide food to families in need during the holiday season and beyond.
The most needed items at the One for One Holiday Drive are canned meat/protein, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups/chilis/stews, boxed meal kits, cereal, peanut butter and pasta, according to The Food Bank's website.
The Food Bank also welcomes monetary donations. One dollar helps The Food Bank provide three meals, according to Geisler. That means a $25 donation will provide at least 75 meals.
Food and funds can be donated at two locations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday -- the Columbia Mall and Buchheits in Jefferson City. The Food Bank's purchasing power turns every $25 donated into at least 100 meals.
