Food Bank Holds Drive-Thru Food Distributions To Address Increased Demand Due to Covid-19
Sikeston, MO (April 2, 2020) — Southeast Missouri Food Bank has scheduled another series of Covid-19 Response Mobile food distributions to respond to the increased need for food assistance following temporary layoffs and school closures due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
The next Covid-19 Response Mobiles will be:
- 4 p.m., Monday, April 6, Doniphan Fire Department, 124 West Jefferson, Doniphan
- 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, Elks Lodge, 199603 Molasses Hollow Road, Ste. Genevieve
- 4 p.m. Thursday, April 9, First Church of God, 322 North Washington, East Prairie
The mobiles are intended for families are newly in need because of temporary job losses or reduced hours because of coronavirus-related circumstances. They will be drive-through distributions so people should stay in their vehicle but have a space cleared for a box of food, according to food bank Chief Executive Officer Joey Keys. 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. We ask that patrons visit only one mobile per month and receive only one box per household.
Those needing food assistance may visit the Pantry Locator page on the website at semofoodbank.org and search by county for the dates and times of operation for the pantry nearest where they live. Other mobile food pantries held in conjunction with partners are also listed on the food bank’s website. Click on Programs and Mobile Food Pantry.
Additional Covid-19 Response Mobile distributions will be scheduled in the food bank’s 16-county service area in the coming weeks. The times, dates and locations will be posted on the food bank’s Facebook page and its website at semofoodbank.org.
The food bank also can help with applications for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/formerly food stamps) for those who are recently unemployed or have had changes to their income. For SNAP application assistance, call Lindsey Kern at 573-475-7573.
Just as regular shoppers have had a hard time finding groceries on the shelf, Southeast Missouri Food Bank is seeing limited supplies of food and increased prices. Retail donations also are down as grocers see increased demand from consumers.
“We’re facing higher prices and limited quantities too, so now more than ever we could use the public’s help,” Keys said. “If someone wants to help with Covid-19 response, one of the best things they can do is donate because we can stretch a dollar to provide four meals.”
Donations can be made online at semofoodbank.org, click on the “Donate” tab.