SEMO Food Bank receives a $63,700 grant from the DAV to supp

The Disabled American Veterans has reached out in support of SEMO Food Bank's Veterans Healthy Food Program, which provides at least 30 pounds of food to members each month.

SIKESTON - Southeast Missouri Food Bank has received a $63,700 grant from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust to support its Veterans Healthy Food Program, which provides monthly boxes of nutritious food to veterans.

The program serves veterans across Southeast Missouri through distribution sites supported by VA partners in Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau, where collaboration helps ensure consistent, accessible delivery of food assistance. Each month, participating veterans receive at least 30 pounds of food, including lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.

Veterans Healthy Food Program

"This is a program with proven results," said Joey Keys, chief executive officer of SEMO Food Bank. "When veterans have consistent access to healthy food, it directly supports their overall well-being. These men and women have already given so much in service to our country, and we are honored to help support their health and quality of life. We are deeply grateful to the DAV Charitable Service Trust for making this work possible."

SEMO Food Bank launched its Veterans Healthy Food Program in 2019 in partnership with the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. The program added additional VA-supported distribution in Cape Girardeau in 2024, continuing to grow in reach and impact across the region.

Program outcomes have shown meaningful benefits. Among veterans who completed both pre- and post-participation surveys, 88% reported improved health outcomes with increased access to nutritious foods.

DAV Charitable Service Trust

Food boxes are distributed through VA Medical Center partners, ensuring veterans receive reliable, dignified access to nutritious food each month. The program is part of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention initiative at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.

For more information about future distributions, veterans may contact Ashley Aubuchon at 573-778-4386.

Southeast Missouri Food Bank serves approximately 80,000 individuals each month across its 16-county service area, where many communities experience some of the highest rates of food insecurity in Missouri. For more information, visit semofoodbank.org.

This is a program with proven results.

Where this fits

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Key takeaways

The Disabled American Veterans has reached out in support of SEMO Food Bank's Veterans Healthy Food Program
SIKESTON - Southeast Missouri Food Bank has received a $63,700 grant from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust to support its Veterans Healthy Food Program
The program serves veterans across Southeast Missouri through distribution sites supported by VA partners in Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau, where collaboration helps ensure consistent, accessible delivery of food assistance
"This is a program with proven results," said Joey Keys, chief executive officer of SEMO Food Bank
Food boxes are distributed through VA Medical Center partners, ensuring veterans receive reliable, dignified access to nutritious food each month

Figures worth noting

The Disabled American Veterans has reached out in support of SEMO Food Bank's Veterans Healthy Food Program, which provides at least 30 pounds of food to members each month
Missouri Food Bank has received a $63,700 grant from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust to support its
Each month, participating veterans receive at least 30 pounds of food, including lean protein, fruits, and vegetables
SEMO Food Bank launched its Veterans Healthy Food Program in 2019 in partnership with the John J
The program added additional VA-supported distribution in Cape Girardeau in 2024, continuing to grow in reach and impact across the region

Questions worth asking

What should you know about Veterans Healthy Food Program?

The Disabled American Veterans has reached out in support of SEMO Food Bank's Veterans Healthy Food Program, which provides at least 30 pounds of food to members each month.

Why does it matter?

The program added additional VA-supported distribution in Cape Girardeau in 2024, continuing to grow in reach and impact across the region.

What happens next?