When kids are hungry, it’s hard to learn. That’s one of the reasons MEM once again teamed up with The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri to help raise funds and awareness for their Buddy Pack Program.
For a second year, MEM pledged to match funds raised up to $25,000 from Aug. 2-9 and also donated resources to create a video campaign to generate awareness for the program.
In one week, the match brought in more than $162,000 in donations. That total, which includes MEM’s gift, will provide more than 900 children with buddy packs for the entire school year.
“It’s the most expensive program that we operate, and we simply cannot do it without great community partners,” Food Bank Executive Director Lindsay Young Lopez said during MEM’s check presentation on August 13. “One key partner is Missouri Employers Mutual. You all have really emerged as an important partner in this fight. From the time spent by MEM employees at our summer feeding sites, to here in the volunteer room to time spent at our larger food drives, you all have really set a standard for philanthropy and commitment to community service in this community.”
The Buddy Pack program is designed to get food to children as they head home for the weekend, as in many cases they report that is the only food they have when they are not at school.
The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri serves 7,500 children per week in 160 schools in a 32-county service area with its program.