Our Impact

For college student Abby, the holidays can be a struggle. She works two jobs, goes to school full-time to become a nurse, and pays her own bills while living on her own with her three beloved pets (two cats and a dog).

“This was my first time coming to a distribution,” Abby shared. “I heard they were giving food, and I’m not able to afford all I need.”

At a Southeast Missouri Food Bank holiday distribution, Abby received items for a festive meal, including a turkey.

“That means a lot,” she said, sharing her plans for what she received. “I’ll be able to make sure that me and my family are able to have a nice holiday meal. My dad gets a holiday check every year, but sometimes that doesn’t even cover enough. It helps to make sure that I have food to be able to provide for my dad and my brother. Even though we can’t always be together on Christmas Day, we still try to celebrate the holiday together.”

Grateful for the community that makes holiday meals possible, Abby expressed her appreciation: “Thank you. You help so much beyond anybody’s belief. You make sure people are able to have food. For people like me who barely are breaking even at the end of the month, I greatly appreciate donors.”

With support from the community and SEMO Food Bank, Abby and families like hers can enjoy a warm, nourishing holiday, knowing they are not alone.