Frequently Asked Questions

Is hunger really a problem in central and northeast Missouri?

There are about 110,000 people living at or below the poverty line in the 32 counties The Food Bank serves. Nearly 45,000 children qualify for free and reduced lunches and there are only a few summer feeding programs to meet the need when school is out. More than 70% of people receiving assistance are the working poor. The vast majority don't receive food stamps or governmental assistance.
The elderly continue to be the fastest-growing poverty population due to fixed incomes and rising medical expenses. We predominantly serve the working poor and the elderly.

What is The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri?

The only food bank serving 32 counties in central and northeast Missouri. The Food Bank provides food to a network of more than 135 agency partners such as food pantries, shelters, senior centers, low‐income daycares, domestic violence centers and more. The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri is the only food bank in Missouri that provides food free of charge to member agencies.
In addition to The Food Bank’s distribution of approximately 24 million pounds of food annually, it offers several direct service programs such as the Central Pantry, the Buddy Pack Program,
Food 4 Kids and the Mobile Food Pantry.

What’s the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

A food bank is the supply line to the front line. It is a warehouse and distribution center. Food banks are able to accommodate larger quantities of food and can therefore acquire it at bulk or wholesale prices. The Food Bank then supplies the food it has acquired to pantries which, in turn, provide clients with food and supplies. Both are vital parts of the hunger-relief food chain.

Can the hungry get food directly from The Food Bank?

No. The food is collected, stored and repackaged at The Food Bank’s warehouse. The food is then distributed to qualified 501(c)(3) charities that directly serve those in need. These organizations, or partner agencies, receive food from The Food Bank for distribution to their clients. For a listing of emergency food assistance sites, click here.

How does The Food Bank get food?

Local and regional producers, growers, distributors and retailers donate food to The Food Bank. National food donations also come to The Food Bank via Feeding America™—the nation’s leading domestic hunger relief charity and nationwide food bank network—and through federal government subsidies. Local groups in the community also hold food drives. All food collected in your county will stay in your county to help local agencies.

How is the food distributed?

Food arrives at The Food Bank and is inspected, sorted, labeled and stored at the warehouse for repacking and distributing. The Food Bank delivers directly to partner agencies or prepares orders for agencies to pick up.

Where does The Food Bank get funding?

You! The Food Bank is supported through individual donations, foundations and community partners. For more information about giving options or to make a donation, contact Development Director, Bobbie Kincade, at (573) 474-1020.

How much of my donation goes directly to feed people who are hungry?

Of every dollar donated to The Food Bank, 98 cents goes directly to feeding hungry people.

How many people will I feed with my donation?

For every dollar, The Food Bank can acquire 20 pounds of food, or 15 meals for those in need.

Is The Food Bank a government agency?

No. The Food Bank is an independent 501(c)(3) organization, and is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. However, The Food Bank does participate in some government programs that are meant to help with the hunger problem on a national level. These programs include CSFP and SFSP.