BRIDGETON, Mo. — It's the busiest time of year for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. As we head into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you can help put a hot meal on a family's table.
St. Louis Area Foodbank President and CEO Meredith Knopp said the need is great. Currently, 1 in 7 people across the Bi-state are facing hunger. She said it's a problem that continues to grow, as people struggle to keep up with everyday costs.
Thankfully, this is where the St. Louis Area Foodbank shines, but Knopp said, they can't do it alone.
"Food is a natural uniter, so we want to be the ones providing that food to bring family and friends together," she said.
It's a time to give thanks and be with the ones you love, but Knopp said getting that Thanksgiving feast on the table is getting more difficult for families.
"Sadly, the need is continuing to grow with rising food prices," she said. "People are really struggling. We're seeing a lot more working families coming to us."
Knopp said it's a need that's increased in the past four months, with 53% of the people the foodbank serves having to choose between feeding their families or paying utility bills.
"People are struggling with higher grocery prices, and we want to make sure that everyone has the food that they need," she said.
Despite the growing demand, Knopp said her team is up for the challenge.
"We have a goal of serving at least 4,000 full Thanksgiving meals. Those are the turkeys, all the fixings and a pumpkin pie this year, so we want everyone to have something to be celebrating for the holidays," she said.
In order for everyone to have that warm meal, the foodbank needs your help. Knopp said the best way to do that is through financial donations.
"Dollars are just the quickest way that we can translate that into getting food on the tables for families that need it this holiday season," she said.
It's a season to focus on the good in life, and the foodbank hopes to bring a bright light.
"Every can and box you see behind me; I don't see cans. I see faces, I see families coming together and that's what we're all about is the spirit of the holiday season and bringing joy to everyone across the Bi-state region," Knopp said.
You can donate to the foodbank here.
Ameren is matching any and all donations to the foodbank through Saturday, Nov. 30. The company will match up to $200,000.
The St. Louis Area Foodbank has a few more drive-thru distribution sites on Wednesday, Nov. 27, if your family still needs a meal for Thanksgiving:
- 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Madison County Mobile Pantry in New Douglas, Illinois.
- 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry in Chester, Illinois.