Food Bank collecting food for holidays

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri's "Food for the Holidays" campaign began Nov. 1 and runs through the end of the year. The agency's goal is to collect enough food and funds to provide 15 million meals to Missourians.

The Food Bank's service area encompasses 32 counties, including Cole County.

It provides free food to those in need through agencies such as the Boys & Girls Club, First Christian Church Pantry, First United Methodist Church Pantry, Jefferson City Day Care, Rape and Abuse Crisis Service, Salvation Army and the Samaritan Center. A $1 donation can provide 11 meals.

To get involved with The Food Bank's "Food for the Holidays," visit www.sharefoodbringhope.org.

Ways residents can get involved include:

• Start a virtual food drive, an online shopping experience that allows people to make financial donations to The Food Bank.

• Contribute in honor of a loved one by purchasing The Food Bank's special holiday cards.

• Run or walk in the Cranberry Crawl today.

• Donate on Nov. 20 to the Partnership Against Hunger. Cumulus radio stations will broadcast live from Schnucks and both Walmart stores, collecting cash and food donations from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Volunteer at a pantry or make a trip to Columbia to volunteer in the volunteer room and to see The Food Bank's warehouse and distribution facility.