CMFB is a regional disaster and hunger relief network. The Food Bank acquires millions of pounds of donated food annually and distributes it to people in need through a network of 120 agencies in 31 counties of central and northeast Missouri. The food bank network predominantly serves the working poor and the elderly. In 1999, the food bank distributed more than 10 million pounds of food which helped feed more than 35,000 people per month. More than 89,000 people in our service area live at or below the poverty level and are eligible to receive the food we distribute.
All food is distributed free to member agencies of the food bank network.
Sixteen percent comes from a contractual agreement with the Division of Family Services to distribute USDA commodities. Thirteen percent comes from United Way in Columbia, Saline, Pettis and Randolph counties. Nine percent comes from grants. Based on the Second Harvest National Food Bank Network model, we developed a network of 15 hunger relief organizations during our first 18 months of part-time operation. The network is made up of food pantries and mass feeding centers serving low-income individuals and families.