Food Bank holds more drive-thru food distributions to address increased demand

Friday, July 10, 2020
Members of the Missouri National Guard put boxes of food into a car at the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, on Friday, July 10, 2020. (Alex Wallner/Standard Democrat)

SIKESTON — Southeast Missouri Food Bank has scheduled more COVID-19 Response Mobile food distributions to respond to the increased need for food assistance following business closures and temporary layoffs due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The next COVID-19 Response Mobiles will be at 5 p.m. July 15 at Agape Worship Center, in Hayti.

Other mobile food pantry distributions held with partners include:

• July 14, 5 p.m., First Baptist Church in Sikeston; partner: Tyson Foods

• July 16, 5 p.m., Portageville Reaching All in Need in Portageville

• July 17, 4 p.m., Bootheel Arts Center/Food Pantry in Gideon; partner: Bayer Fund

People who need food assistance should attend only the mobile held in the county where they live and should bring a photo ID and piece of mail that shows proof of residence, according to the Food Bank. Patrons should visit only one mobile per month and receive only one box per household. These will be drive-through distributions so people should stay in their vehicle but have a space cleared for a box of food, the Food Bank said.

Additional information on receiving food assistance is available at semofoodbank.org, click on “Get Help.” The food bank also can help with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/formerly food stamps) for those who are recently unemployed. For SNAP application assistance, call Lindsey Kern at 573-475-7573.

Individuals wishing to help provide food for those who need it may donate online at semofoodbank.org, click on “Donate” or mail donations to P.O. Box 190, Sikeston, MO 63801. Mark donations for COVID-19 Disaster Fund.

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