The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri in 2016 increased its food distribution to Cole County residents to 1,416,599 pounds - over 21 tons more than the previous year.
It's an impressive number, but to most of us, it's just a number.
However, to the thousands of people served by the agency, it means much more. For people in our community struggling with hunger, it provides not only nourishment, but hope for a better future.
The agency is a regional disaster and hunger relief network that acquires and distributes millions of pounds of food annually to partner agencies across a 32-county area.
A member of Feeding America, The Food Bank is able to work with manufacturers, wholesalers, processors, growers, retailers and restaurants to secure donations and food at reduced costs. Because of these partnerships, it turns every dollar into $21 worth of groceries.
Of its allocations, 97 percent go directly toward acquisition and distribution of food, while the remaining 3 percent goes to fundraising and administration.
That means, the Food Bank relies heavily on donors and volunteers - and our community has clearly responded to the need.
The Food Bank's success is your success, Central Missouri. Partners that have contributed to this success include the Samaritan Center, Salvation Army, The Healing House and three mobile food pantries. The Food Bank works with 132 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other agencies to ensure food gets into the hands of those who need it most.
Last, but not least, the Food Bank is able to provide so much food to the needy because of individuals in our community who generously give donations of both money and food.
The wholesale value of the food distributed in 2016 just in Cole County is $2.36 million.
"We are so grateful for all of our donors and friends in Cole County who helped make that increase possible," said Lindsay Young Lopez, executive director of The Food Bank, in a news release. "The Jefferson City community is truly a valuable partner."
We, too, extend our thanks to the community - individuals, businesses, churches and other agencies - that contribute to the welfare of the community and comfort the needy with the knowledge of where their next meal will come from.