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MADISON COUNTY, Mo. — The University of Missouri Extension Center in Madison County, in partnership with local organizations, businesses and community facilities, recently completed its second annual Targeted Food Drive, held February through April. The initiative was designed to increase access to healthy and nutritious food for Madison County residents.
The Targeted Food Drive was created to help address this need by highlighting a different food group each month and encouraging participants to donate an item from that month's featured food group.
The community’s response resulted in about 530 pounds of healthy, nutritious food being contributed to Madison County food banks.
Partners in the Targeted Food Drive included the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, MU Extension County Council, CapAmerica, Ozark Regional Library, Madison County Medical Center, Madison County Health Department, Madison County Senior Center, New Era Bank and several local small businesses.
MU Extension also continued its partnership with three local food pantries: Madison County Food Pantry, Faith Family Worship food bank and Marquand First Baptist Church food pantry.
To further increase the impact of the food drive, MU Extension partnered with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce during the annual Spread the Love Walk. Participants received a passport to take to participating local businesses, where they could collect stamps and receive chocolate treats.
As part of the event, the Chamber promoted the Targeted Food Drive and coordinated with local businesses to host food donation boxes. Customers who donated food items were able to receive discounts at participating businesses.
The Spread the Love Walk had a great community turnout, and the MU Extension center welcomed visitors throughout the event. Several visitors shared that they had not previously been aware of the center’s location and appreciated the opportunity to visit and learn more about MU Extension and its role in the community. Several local businesses also hosted donation boxes during the event, providing more opportunities for community members to support local food pantries.
The Madison County MU Extension Center appreciates the many organizations, businesses and community members who contributed to the success of this year's Targeted Food Drive. The success of this effort demonstrates what can be accomplished when local partners come together to support their community. Through these partnerships, Madison County continues to work together to provide healthier food options and support local families in need.