The Food Bank’s Mascot Marching for Meals returns in person to help support the Buddy Pack Program

August 31, 2021

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri will host its Mascot Marching for Meals on Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Macon County at Long Branch Lake and Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. in Adair County at Kirksville YMCA Pavilion. This year will be the first year it is hosted in Macon County. After changing to a strictly virtual event last year, the march is returning in person while also offering a virtual option in 2021.

This family-friendly, 2-mile march in Macon and 1.8-mile march in Kirksville is open to all and gives you the opportunity to walk with local mascots to help end hunger. Kids will be able to get their picture taken with their favorite mascot People can register to run or walk in person for $10. Participants will receive an event t-shirt.

People can learn more and register at sharefoodbringhope.org/mascotmarch.

All proceeds will help provide Buddy Packs to students in Adair and Macon counties, giving them the nutrition they need every weekend of the school year. Buddy Packs are pre-packaged bags with a variety of food each week — with items like easy-to-make meals, cereal and peanut butter. At upper-level schools, food is discreetly provided through School Pantries instead. Buddy Packs provide food to 7,500 children each week during the academic year, and School Pantries.

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The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri is a regional disaster and hunger-relief network that distributes more than 30 million pounds of food annually to partners across a 32-county service area. A member of Feeding America, The Food Bank works with manufacturers, wholesalers, processors, growers, retailers and restaurants to secure donations and food at reduced costs. The Food Bank works with more than 140 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other agencies to ensure food gets into the hands of those who need it most.