ST. LOUIS —
In these challenging times, the St. Louis Area Foodbank is challenging itself. The organization is aiming to distribute more than 10 million meals to people in need across the region by June 30.
"We said, 'Hey, wouldn't it be great if we could put a line in the sand and say we're going to distribute at least 10 million meals by the end of June?!'" President and CEO Meredith Knopp said. "I can tell you we're well on our way, and I expect us to blow that number out of the water."
The food bank announced the goal Thursday, on the heels of receiving $502,563 from the Missouri Foundation for Health to aid in its coronavirus response. The organization typically serves half-a-million people in 26 counties in Missouri and Illinois; now, it says, there are even more people in need.
"This is unlike anything we’ve seen in the 45-year history of the St. Louis Area Foodbank," Knopp said. "Right now, because of the coronavirus pandemic, we're seeing those number increase exponentially. In addition to the men and women that usually count on our support and services, there are so many more that have been furloughed from their jobs."
The St. Louis Area Foodbank will use the money to buy more food and infant formula to meet increased demand and will also buy additional equipment and storage. The funding also enables the organization to hire 20 full-time temporary employees.
In collaboration with local schools, hospitals and other organizations, it has been distributing food at contactless drive-thru food distributions. It also delivers food to seniors through the Community Supplemental Food Program.
Temporary employee positions include truck drivers, warehouse and mobile programs staff, SNAP intake coordinators and food packers and sorters. Applicants can contact the recruitment firm Labor Finders' St. Louis location at 636-287-3709 or its St. Peters location at 636-244-9080.
The food bank has 384 partner agencies and community program partners across the counties it serves.
If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing food, visit https://stlfoodbank.org/covid19.