SIKESTON, Mo. (WSIL) -- The Southeast Missouri Food Bank serves 16 counties in Southeast Missouri.
It provides local food pantries with shipments of food to help them feed families who may need help putting food on the table.
Chief Executive Officer Joey Keys said the nonprofit relies heavily on donations from vendors, business owners and supporters.
When shoppers emptied grocery shelves at the beginning of the pandemic, regular donors became unable to give as they normally do, because of a limited amount of food supplies.
"We saw a greater need to purchase food higher prices, and it took longer to get the food in as well," said Keys.
Once members of the nonprofit organization realized the impact of the virus would take a heavier toll on the economy, Keys said they were forced to regroup and find creative avenues through which they could purchase products for the food bank.
"We could have done that without grants and other donations from corporate and individuals, so by those donations and the community recognizing the need and coming together that helped us feed all of the increased number of people," said Keys.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson is traveling across the state and made a stop Tuesday afternoon at the food bank.
He toured the 90,000 square foot facility and took time to thank the members of the Missouri National Guard who were called to serve during the pandemic.
"There's a lot of people out there that's not as fortunate as many of us are, that really need help during this time and so whatever they can do to help facilities like this, businesses or whatever it is, I know it's been tough times for everybody," said Gov. Mike Parson.
Keys wants to remind people, the pandemic is not over. Families are still in need of food, and the food bank is also open to accepting donations to maintain its inventory.
If you're looking to donate, go to the Southeast Missouri Food Bank at or call (573) 471-1818.
