Funviralpark COLOMBIA – Putting food on the table this year will put a dent in your wallet. That’s why fundraisers like Partnership Against Hunger are more important than ever.
And this holiday season, the people of central Missouri are reaching out.
Food banks in Central and Northeast Missouri continued their annual holiday tradition of “Partnership Against Hunger,” aimed at reaching out to those facing food insecurity.
“Food insecurity can happen to anyone,” said Attila Feliciano, food bank marketing and communications director.
From sunrise to sunset, volunteers were scattered across Columbia at three Hy-Vees and Schnucks on Forum Boulevard.
“The generosity of the community is truly amazing,” said Lindsay Lopez, president and CEO of the Food Bank.
Food Fund Drive shares food with 32 counties in Missouri, according to the Food Bank website. Lopez said more work needs to be done.
“For those who need help themselves, [we want them to know] We’re here as a resource for them,” Lopez said.
Volunteers stood outside the store for 12 hours to collect donations and fill barrels.
According to the food bank’s Facebook page, Partnership Against Hunger raised over 10,000 pounds of food this year, and with the help of volunteers, those donations turned into about 150,000 meals.
But that wasn’t the only big number food banks achieved. Also, this nonprofit has raised more than $36,000 for him.
In a behind-the-scenes look at the fundraiser, food bank volunteer coordinator Steven Bybee told KOMU 8 that many residents of central Missouri will need help preparing meals this holiday season.
“Once winter sets in, the need grows,” Byby said. “There will also be a greater demand for our resources.”
Bybee said the recent record high inflation has created another obstacle to serving the community. The Federal Reserve Board voted on December 15th to raise interest rates by another 0.5 percentage points. The Federal Open Market Committee’s decision benchmarks the latest interest rate to his highest level in 15 years.
“We have to pay more for the food we bring in,” Biby said. “People who donate our food should pay more for the food they are donating.”
But every donation helps families catch some holiday cheer, Bybee said.
Families will spend 20% more on Thanksgiving meals in 2022 than they did in 2021, according to the American Farm Bureau. A meal for 10 costs a customer an average of $64.50, according to the agency, and a meal for 10 is more than a $10 difference for him last year. It costs $53.31.
“A lot of our neighbors are having a hard time at the cash register,” said Feliciano.
KOMU 8 was the sponsor of this event. Click here for a list of other sponsors and more information about Partnership Against Hunger.
KOMU 8’s holiday special “Stories of the Season” will be available on Christmas Eve at 8:30am and Christmas Day at 10am and 4pm
