Child hunger

Thousands of people in this area receive food assistance. According to the United Way of Southeast Missourian, 22.8 percent of children live below the poverty level. Many children attending area schools are eligible for free or reduced lunches.

Hunger is a real issue, and not knowing if you can provide the nutritional support for your children is a worry. A recent story by Southeast Missourian reporter Ruth Campbell presented many statistics on hunger in this area, particularly as it relates to children.

Stories of hunger are heart-wrenching, but many in this area understand the need and have volunteered and donated financially to help address it.

Earlier this month the annual Party of the Good was held at the Osage Centre. More than 800 volunteers gathered to pack 10,000-plus bags of food for the Backpacks for Friday program.

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank program provides backpacks of food for students to take home over the weekend to share with their families. About 2,400 students in 48 elementary schools participate weekly.

The Perryville 4-H Teen Council and National FFA Organization also planned to help raise money during the recent East Perry Community Fair for food pantries, the Backpacks for Friday program and Perry County seniors receiving home-delivered meals. The concept was that for each plastic bottle recycled at the fair, businesses and individuals would pledge their support.

There are other ways people in this area support hunger-relief programs, including church programs and other faith-based efforts. We appreciate this generosity.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering or financially supporting hunger relief programs, we encourage you to contact the Southeast Missouri Food Bank or other organizations that do good work.