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MARYVILLE, Mo. – Families across Nodaway County continue to feel the strain of rising food and transportation costs, and local food providers say more neighbors are turning to them for help. To better respond, representatives from food pantries, meal programs and community groups met in November to compare what they’re seeing on the ground and to look for practical ways to support one another.
Participants shared many of the same challenges: families unsure where to find help, lingering stigma around visiting a pantry, limited transportation and difficulty getting fresh fruits and vegetables into rural areas. Providers also noted how health issues such as diabetes or dental problems shape what foods their clients can safely eat.
Even so, the discussion focused on solutions. Several groups expressed interest in teaming up on food drives, pooling volunteers and coordinating storage or transportation so resources go further. Others suggested creating a single, easy-to-use information sheet and improving communication so residents spend less time searching for help and more time getting what they need.
The group plans to continue meeting and exploring ways to make the county’s food network stronger and more connected. Each pantry left the gathering with a box of shelf-stable items to help stock their shelves heading into winter.
This work is part of Nodaway County’s involvement in Missouri EATs (Engage–Act–Transform), an effort supported by University of Missouri Extension that helps communities strengthen local food systems and improve access for all residents. A grant from America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative Partnerships Program, awarded to partners including Empower Missouri, MU Extension, IFF and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, helps support the effort.
“The pantry and meal site coordinators who met showed that real solutions can emerge when we come together, share openly and start the conversation,” said Jackie Spainhower, an MU Extension community development specialist who serves as the local MU Extension contact for the MoEATs program in Nodaway County.
Learn more about the program on the Missouri EATs website, or contact Sarah Hultine Massengale or Bill McKelvey. For information about the Food Network Roundtable, contact Debbie Bennett.