Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri celebrating big anniversary; their mission is the same as it was in 1981

By Brian Hauswirth

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

img 6874.jjpg — Columbia Chamber of Commerce ambassadors joined Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri officials at the ribbon-cutting to celebrate the Food Bank’s 45th anniversary (September 10, 2026 photo courtesy of Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri communications director Katie Geisler)

It opened its doors in 1981 serving Boone County with the goal of feeding our neighbors. 18,000 pounds of food was shared that first year. 45 years later, the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri serves 32 counties and they share more than 20 million pounds of food each year. In 1981, the food bank worked with 15 local partner agencies. Today they collaborate with 145 partner agencies and nearly 200 schools to share food.

food bank race — The ninth annual Hope for Heroes 5K in Columbia raised more than $65,000 (June 13, 2026 file photo courtesy of Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri spokeswoman Katie Adkins)

Students, churches and agencies helped start the food bank in 1981. Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri officials emphasize that their mission now is as simple as when they started: it’s about neighbors feeding neighbors.