Submitted by Crystal Murr, Knox County 4-H YPA
It’s all about Missourians helping Missourians fight hunger.
Many Missouri families face food insecurity. This means they struggle to put enough food on their tables. Missouri 4-H is continuing its partnership with Feeding Missouri and Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids to not only educate about this issue, but to do something about it.
All of the state’s more than 1,600 4-H Clubs, serving youth ages 5 to 18, are invited to participate in this year’s friendly competition among counties to donate the most meals through donations of volunteer hours, food and monetary contributions. As a state, we have a goal of raising 800,000 meals by April 30, 2023.
Here’s how Knox County 4-H is contributing to the goal of raising 800,000 meals for food banks and pantries statewide, with donations to the Knox County Food Cupboard.
“Our goal in Knox County is to collect 500 pounds of food, at least $100 in cash donations, and volunteer 50 hours of community service,” said Knox County 4-H Youth Program Associate, Crystal Murr. “Based on last year’s results, I believe we will far exeed our goal!”
Knox County 4-H Feeding Missouri committee members and volunteers met in February to plan a food drive and decorate donation boxes, which are located at: Knox County Extension, C&R Market, Dollar General, and Knox County R-1. Cash donations may be dropped off or mailed to: Knox County Extension, 110 N. 4th Street, Edina, MO 63537.
Last week, members recorded a commercial at the Knox County Food Cupboard advertising the food drive, which will be released shortly. They will also share information about food insecurity and hunger at each of their club meetings, in addition to an upcoming Knox County Rotary meeting. Also, watch for 4-H members participating in an in-person food drive at C&R Market next month.
Remember, 1 in 5 children in Missouri are food insecure, which means that they don’t have consistent access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Please help Knox County 4-H assist the people in our community by donating today!
