Sikeston, MO (Sept. 1, 2026) – September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about
hunger and encourage communities to take action to help ensure their neighbors have access to the
food they need.
“Hunger Action Month gives us an opportunity to put a little extra focus on hunger, but we know
hunger doesn’t take a month off,” said Joey Keys, President and CEO of Southeast Missouri Food
Bank. “September is a chance for all of us to think about what we can do to help our neighbors and to
recognize that every action, big or small, can be part of the solution.”
Hunger continues to be a pressing issue across Southeast Missouri. More than 69,000 individuals, or
1 in 5 people, experienced food insecurity in 2024, according to Feeding America’s most recent Map
the Meal Gap report. That includes more than 20,000 children, or 1 in 4.
Southeast Missouri Food Bank kicked off Hunger Action Month on Tuesday with Harvesting Hope, a
celebration of its partnership with Missouri Rice Council and the generosity of Missouri rice
producers.
Heritage Farms, Inland Rice, Martin Farms and Riceland donated a combined 12,300 pounds of rice
to Southeast Missouri Food Bank. The donation will provide more than 10,000 meals for families
across Southeast Missouri.
The donation was celebrated at Southeast Missouri Food Bank with remarks from Missouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe and Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. Representatives from Missouri agriculture,
hunger-relief organizations, local communities and Southeast Missouri Food Bank also attended the
event.
“This donation is a great example of what Hunger Action Month is all about,” Keys said. “Our rice
farmers are growing food that feeds people, and through their generosity, that food is now going to
help families right here in Southeast Missouri. We’re incredibly grateful to Heritage Farms, Inland
Rice, Martin Farms and Riceland for helping make that possible.”
Hunger Action Month continues throughout September, and there are many ways individuals,
businesses, civic groups and organizations can get involved:
• Donate: Financial gifts help Southeast Missouri Food Bank purchase nutritious food and
support programs serving neighbors across Southeast Missouri. Every $1 donated helps
provide food for four meals.
• Volunteer: Give your time at Southeast Missouri Food Bank to help sort, pack and prepare
food for distribution.
• Advocate: Share information about hunger and ways to help with friends, family, coworkers
and community members.
• Support local food drives and events: Participate in a food drive, fundraiser or other Hunger
Action Month activity in your community.
• Go orange: Wear orange Sept. 29, Hunger Action Day, to show your support for hunger
awareness and help start conversations about food insecurity in Southeast Missouri.
“Hunger Action Month isn’t about one organization or one way of helping,” Keys said. “It’s about all of
us finding a way to be part of the work. Whether you give, volunteer, participate in a food drive or help
spread the word, every action helps.”
SEMO Food Bank serves families, children, veterans and seniors through a network of 140 partner
agencies and direct-service programs across a 16-county service area. Southeast Missouri has some
of the highest rates of hunger in Missouri, with 1 in 5 individuals, 1 in 4 children and 1 in 8 seniors
living in homes that are food insecure. The six most food-insecure counties in the state are in
Southeast Missouri.
To learn more about Hunger Action Month and ways to get involved with Southeast Missouri Food
Bank, visit semofoodbank.org.