Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri’s legislators joined forces with the Missouri Grocers Association (MGA) and the Missouri Food Bank Association (MFBA) to donate more than 1,900 pounds of food to hungry Missourians.  “Project: Grocers Can” was held at the State Capitol to help shine the light on the issue of hunger and the important role Missouri’s grocers and food banks play in addressing the problem.

“We are so grateful for this partnership with MGA,” said Scott Baker, MFBA state director.  “We appreciate the opportunity to increase the awareness of hunger in Missouri.  One in six of our neighbors deal with hunger every year.  It's a problem that is spread out across every part of our state.  One of the most important things we can do is help our legislators understand that hunger is real in Missouri.”

The food donated by the MGA is the equivalent of 1,188 meals.  At the event, Missouri legislators bagged food collected by the MGA that was then distributed to a local pantry in Jefferson City.

The quality of food donated will enable people and families seeking emergency-food assistance to access a better variety of items, enabling a more balanced diet and improving their quality of life.