Red Star Food Pantry Boosts Numbers Served
Pantry increases services 81%; estimates serving 150-175 families per month
Cape Girardeau, Mo., Dec 3 -A local food pantry will expand its services thanks to a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) in the amount of $107,439.
Typically, the Red Star Food Pantry serves an average of 90 families per month. Besides expanding its services to more families, the center will serve some non-typical items, such as low-sugar, low-sodium and low-fat foods. These will be offered to all families with special dietary needs. Additional food items such as low-fat, high-protein meats will also be provided to all families on a regular basis. No other area food pantry offers these items.
Families will also now be able to view demonstrations as they wait for their food items. Demonstrations will consist of information to educate individuals on healthy food choices and food preparation.
The pantry's expansion will also allow the center to develop a stronger infrastructure in order to accept more food donations, serve the special dietary needs of the area population and help prevent further deterioration of individuals who have cardiovascular or diabetes by providing healthy food options.
Individuals interested in finding out more about the Red Star Food Panty may contact Kevin Sexton at (573) 339-1196.
MFH is the largest health care foundation in the state and the second largest health conversion foundation in the country. Its funding region spans 84 northern and southern Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. Its mission is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves. The foundation is currently in its second year of grantmaking. Current assets are approximately $1 billion.
For additional information regarding MFH, call (314) 345-5500, (800) 655-5560 or visit the Web site at www.mffh.org.
# # #