Anyone who needs a meal in Hannibal can get one as the COVID-19 crisis continues to create economic hardship for residents. The Harvest Outreach Loaves and Fishes Program has been feeding the needy in the Hannibal area for many years. The ranks of the unemployed are climbing with the stay-at-home order, so free meals are needed now more than ever.

With the help of the Hannibal Nutrition Center, churches and community groups, the feeding program continues with no interruption, only modifications. Sack Lunch Meals are available Monday-Friday for pick-up at the Hannibal Nutrition Center, 219 S. 10th in Hannibal between the hours of 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Ticket and/or reservations are required for first meal pick-up. Reservations must be made by 9:00 a.m. for same day meal pick-up. To make arrangements or to request meals, please contact Harvest Outreach at 573-693-7365, Loaves and Fishes option or email Amy@bethechangeforyourcommunity.com.

The Hannibal Nutrition Center has also been impacted by COVID-19 changes, however, are still providing curbside pick-up to seniors in need of a meal, along with their normal home delivered meals. Harvest Outreach contacted them, and asked for a price quote for providing meals for the needy. A very reasonable quote was given, and meals are being purchased in $1,000 increments thanks to the generosity of many. A ticket is required to pick up a meal, which allows for tracking and food preparation purposes.

The nutrition center orders food, prepares the lunches and distributes them on behalf of the Loaves and Fishes program, which reduces the number of people required outside exposure to maintain and run the program. This partnership between Harvest Outreach, Loaves and Fishes and the Nutrition Center, enables all to better serve our community which has also been placed under economic hardship by the COVID-19 virus. “It’s a win/win situation. People need food.

The Nutrition Center needs financial support during the crisis, and community members are given the opportunity to make a difference by helping both groups by donating financially” said Amy Vaughn, who is working with Harvest Outreach to organize this program.

Margee Tucker, Director of the Hannibal Nutrition Center states, “It’s time’s like this we all have to work together, and we are so happy that we can be a partner in this project to make a difference for so many!” This meal program will only be available as long as funding allows.

If you would like to make a donation, please mail those to Harvest Outreach, 1732 Hope Street, Hannibal, Missouri 63401 with a notation in the memo for Loaves and Fishes. Donations can also be made online at www.harvestoutreach.faith.

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