Food bank grant

The Missouri Foundation for Health, a St. Louis-based philanthropic organization, recently announced a $1 million grant to the Southeast Missouri Food Bank. It is a helpful donation. And, just one of several given to food banks across the state.

The food bank has been struggling in recent years to keep up with the increased demand for those who have lost jobs. The weak economy has taken its toll. In Cape Girardeau County, according to the food bank's website, the "food insecurity rate" is at 14.8 percent of the full population. More than 21 percent of children, or 3,500, don't know where their next meal will come from. In Pemiscot County in the Bootheel of Missouri, that number rises to 24 percent of the population and 29 percent of children.

Since 2007, the food bank has operated out of a warehouse on Nash Road in Cape Girardeau. It serves 16 counties in Southeast Missouri. In July 2012, the food bank purchased its current distribution center with a $900,000 USDA Rural Development loan to alleviate the space problem. The grant will be used, among other things, to renovate the 64,000-square-foot distribution facility in Sikeston.

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank will receive its grant from the foundation during the next two years. Under its terms, at least $200,000 must be applied toward infrastructure improvements for the food bank's more than 170 community-based partners in Southeast Missouri.

Many churches and civic groups organize food drives for local pantries, which is a big asset and much appreciated. Groups like the Boy Scouts also make regular trips to collect items, and this service likely helps bring in food items that might not otherwise be donated. However, monetary donations are the most efficient way to help the pantries.

Hunger is a real issue in our region. Please consider what you might be able to do to help those who are hungry.