SOUTHEAST MISSOURI – In response to the increasing need for food impacted by the federal shutdown, United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) is stepping up to help by distributing $3,000 from an emergency fund to area food pantries within its four-county service area of Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger, and northern Scott Counties.
Mark Stone, Director of Market Development, explained, “These donations come at a crucial time as local pantries begin seeing more people worried about how to feed their families. When there is a need in the community, United Way is there. We want to make sure local food pantries have the support they need to continue serving families who might be affected by the shutdown.”
In July, UWSEMO announced a renewed focus on funding programs that help families and individuals move from surviving to thriving, while maintaining the nonprofit’s longstanding support for immediate needs, such as food access. This strategy emerged from UWSEMO’s 2021 community survey and discussions with its Community Investment Committee (CIC), a volunteer group representing the organization’s four-county service area that guides funding priorities.
This year the CIC designated an emergency reserve to assist partner organizations seeking assistance with increased immediate needs. With the federal government shutdown creating uncertainty for many families, especially those relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, this emergency funding will help local pantries bridge the gap and continue to help meet the community’s immediate needs.
Bryan Thompson, a volunteer who runs the Little Whitewater Baptist Church Food Pantry in Bollinger County, said, “We have been averaging 75 families a month and had 15 more yesterday. This gift couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Area families and individuals in need of food assistance can contact UWSEMO’s help line, First Call For Help, at 573-334-4357 or visit the website: www.firstcallforhelpsemo.org to find resources in their area.
Most Missouri residents can call 211, a national information and referral line supported by United Ways across the state, and provide their zip code to find nearby resources.