Our Impact

Paula lost her husband two years ago after 14 years of marriage. She now balances part-time work with Social Security, but even combined, it isn’t always enough.

“By the time I pay the bills and stuff on Social Security, I don’t have anything left to really buy groceries,” she said.

Inflation and rising health care costs make it even harder. Between housing insurance, car insurance, gas for work, and extra medical coverage, nearly every dollar is accounted for before she reaches the grocery store.

And she doesn’t qualify for SNAP. “I have too many vehicles, that are over 15 years old, and own property,” she explained.

She is one of the more than 46 percent of food-insecure people in Southeast Missouri who do not receive SNAP. In a region with some of the highest rates of food insecurity and poverty in the state, individuals like Paula need just a little bit extra.

That’s where SEMO Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantries come in. Paula visits them to help fill in the gaps and keep her kitchen stocked.

For Paula, the support isn’t just about having enough food; it’s about having the security and peace of mind to get through each month, even with the financial challenges she faces.