Missouri Food Bank Sees Spike in First-Time Food Insecurity

Veterans United Foundation donates $100,000 to help address growing need

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri is experiencing a spike in people experiencing food insecurity for the first time, according to the organization's president Lindsay Lopez. To help address the growing need, the Veterans United (VU) Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the food bank, which serves a 32-county region.

Why it matters

Food insecurity in the region is at its highest level in a decade, with over 50% of those served by the food bank being employed, some with multiple jobs. The grant aims to help the food bank bridge the gap between available resources and the increasing need for food assistance.

The details

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri is spending two to three times more on food and transportation than it was pre-pandemic. The $100,000 grant from the VU Foundation will help the food bank improve its ability to serve those in need, including senior citizens and people with disabilities, across its 32-county service area.

  • The VU Foundation presented the $100,000 check to the food bank on March 5, 2026.
  • Food insecurity in the region is at its highest level in a decade.

The players

Lindsay Lopez

President of the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

Veterans United (VU) Foundation

A foundation that has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri to help address growing food insecurity in the region.

Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri

A food bank headquartered in Columbia, Missouri that serves a 32-county region and is experiencing a spike in people experiencing food insecurity for the first time.

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What they’re saying

“We're seeing this spike in people who are experiencing food insecurity for the first time. So that's why we're here. That's why we're here to help.”

— Lindsay Lopez, President (939 the Eagle)

“There's not one type of person who finds themself food insecure. And it may be one time, a job loss, a medical diagnosis, the death of a spouse, any number of situations. It may be over a period of time.”

— Lindsay Lopez, President (939 the Eagle)

The takeaway

The spike in first-time food insecurity in the region highlights the growing need for food assistance, even among those who are employed. The $100,000 grant from the VU Foundation will help the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri expand its efforts to serve the community and address this critical issue.