Second Harvest helps feed families during arctic blast

Missourians dealt with a few arctic frosts this year, which skyrocketed heating bills and presented citizens with the dilemma of whether to stay warm or to stay fed.

According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, heating bills this winter are expected to climb to 8.7%. Second Harvest Community Food Bank is here to help those worried about food security for the rest of the winter season.

Those struggling to afford heating their homes and putting food on the table can apply for SNAP, the federal and state-run Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP assists low-income families by supplementing their grocery budget. SNAP Application information can be found on the Missouri Department of Social Service's website, mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/apply-for-snap.

Second Harvest Food Bank also has many agency partners with food pantries that anyone can visit.

"Here in St. Joe, we have about nine pantries that are available throughout the week and a couple on the weekends," Second Harvest's Communications Coordinator Mackenzie Osborn said. "We have about 45 pantries throughout our entire 18 county service area, so where you are there is somewhere that you can get food assistance."

In Buchanan County alone, residents can visit the Cathedral of St. Joseph, InterServ, Patee Park Baptist Church, the Salvation Army and several other locations for food assistance.

Additionally, residents can look out for the Fresh Mobile Pantries that frequently travel around Buchanan County, distributing fresh produce and proteins to those in need.

The next couple of stops include:

• 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at the American Legion Hall on Memorial Drive in Hamilton, Missouri
• 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church located at 5502 Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph, Missouri

The schedule for the rest of the year can be found on Second Harvest's website, shcfb.org/calendar-of-events.

Food insecurity will sometimes be associated with negative misconceptions, but it's far more common than most believe.

"Throughout northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas, one in six people is food insecure," Osborn said. "I think it's just important to let people know that if you are facing food insecurity, you're not alone."

For a complete list of resources available to those facing food insecurity, visit Second Harvest's website at shcfb.org.