MEDIA ADVISORY: MU College to Announce Partnership with Food Bank

Story Contact(s):
Christian Basi, BasiC@missouri.edu, 573-882-4430

WHAT:  The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) will announce a year-long relationship with The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri to donate food and educate people on ways to improve their food quality and security.

“Since its founding in 1870, CAFNR has been at the center of ensuring a safe and plentiful food supply for the region, America and the world,” said Tom Payne, vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR.  “It is important for us to employ our knowledge and expertise to make a positive impact in our own backyard.”

The project, “Collaborating for a Healthy Future,” will utilize the faculty’s expertise, partnerships and knowledge in areas such as agriculture, economics and nutrition. With the new partnership, CAFNR will assist the food bank through several activities including:

• Donating 500 lbs. of beef and 500 lbs. of pork.
• Planting one to two acres of sweet corn, which will provide four to five harvests throughout the year, generating 14,000 to 28,000 ears of corn.
• Coordinating an annual “Float Your Boat for The Food Bank” Cardboard Regatta fundraiser
• Encouraging CAFNR faculty, staff, alumni and students to volunteer with the food bank.

The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri feeds nearly 100,000 people each month.

WHO:  Officials from the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri

WHERE:  Kuhlman Court (Grassy area between MU Student Center and Ellis Library)
MU campus

WHEN:  Noon, Friday, Oct. 14

NOTE:  This event is free and open to the public. The announcement will take place during the “CAFNR Comes Home” event to commemorate MU Homecoming.