SEMO Food Bank gets grant from Feeding Red Nose Team

SIKESTON -- Southeast Missouri Food Bank received a $10,000 grant from the Feeding America Red Nose Team.

In 2014, SEMO Food Bank and partner schools filled 890 backpacks for students and their families. In 2015, Feeding America's Red Nose Team is helping SEMO Food Bank distribute food to a record number of students by filling 977 backpacks.

"Feeding America's Red Nose grant funding allows our food bank to reach significantly more children, providing meals that they may have otherwise missed," said Karen Green, Southeast Missouri Food Bank Chief Executive Officer.

In Southeast Missouri, 1 out of every 4 children goes to bed hungry. This translates into 21,100 children. Hunger impacts kids in a variety of ways. Food insecure children do not develop and grow as well as others. They may have difficulty learning and are more likely to get sick.

"The effects of child food insecurity are severe and can last a lifetime," Green said.

For the full story, see Friday's edition of the Standard Democrat.