Hunger Action Month proclaimed in Sikeston

Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat

Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow signs the proclamation recognizing September as Hunger Action Month in the City of Sikeston as Sarah Mitchell Garner, chief advancement officer for Southeast Missouri Food Bank, looks on Aug. 31 in the city council chambers at Sikeston City Hall. With the proclamation, all citizens are urged to observe the importance of the SEMO Food Bank and its help in fighting hunger issues in the community. In Southeast Missouri, 17% of people face hunger and one in five children do not know where their next mal will come from. More than 70,000 individuals in Southeast Missouri rely on food provided by the SEMO Food Bank each month. In 2021, the Food Bank distributed more than 15.08 million pounds of food through its network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and programs. The Food Bank will host numerous events throughout the month to bring awareness and help end hunger in their local communities. For example, Hunger Action Day is Sept. 23, and the Food Bank asks businesses to have their employees wear orange and post photos on social media.