Since opening in 1975 and with the tremendous support and generosity of the community, the St. Louis Area Foodbank has grown to become our region's largest food distribution charity dedicated to feeding people in need. Through a robust network of over 550 community partners and programs - including food pantries, soup kitchens, schools and residential programs - we are responding to hunger in communities across 26 counties in Missouri and Illinois by distributing food to nearly 400,000 people every year.
Like our organization, our mission has evolved because we believe that food is a powerful catalyst for change that does not just feed individuals; it empowers people and makes entire communities stronger.
St. Louis Area Foodbank Mission
The mission of the St. Louis Area Foodbank is to build stronger communities by empowering people with food and hope. Our vision is to create a stronger, healthier bi-state region where no one goes to bed hungry.
Who the St. Louis Area Foodbank Serves
Last fiscal year (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020), the Foodbank provided more than 44.7 million meals to area children, families and seniors in the bi-state region. The St. Louis Area Foodbank distributes food, personal care items and household essentials to more than 550 partner organizations and programs to provide food, hope and stability to our most vulnerable neighbors.
Who are these people?
- 31% are children
- 14% are seniors
- 46% of households served by the Foodbank have at least one person who is in fair or poor health
St. Louis Area Foodbank Response during Covid-19
As the coronavirus crisis evolves and reveals many uncertainties, one thing we do know for certain is the demand for food assistance will increase throughout the community.
Since March 16, the Foodbank has provided more than 21.7 million meals to families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a 40% increase in food distributed from last year during this time frame.
The St. Louis Area Foodbank is nourishing families, children and seniors through 3 main initiatives:
- Partner Agency Network: The SLAFB is providing ongoing resources of food, personal care items, and household essentials to our network of over 600 agency partners and community programs (including 72 new partners) still operating and serving children, families and seniors throughout the bi-state region.
- Mobile Drive Thru Distribution Events: Each month, the Foodbank organizes over 150 mobile distribution events to support and nourish families. The number of mobile food distributions continue to grow in the upcoming weeks and months as the Foodbank organizes additional Disaster Mobile Markets with existing and new partners to meet the increased demand for food.
- SNAP Application Assistance: As unemployment rises, we have seen a 61% increase in SNAP application assistance (food stamps). Our team is connecting families to additional meals by helping them enroll for available government benefits.