As COVID-era benefits near expiration, a recent Child Wellness Summit brought together nonprofits to tackle urgent child well-being and food-insecurity issues. Missouri families grappling with inflation and high living costs are facing increased challenges, particularly in providing food, utilities and health care for children. Jocelyn Fundoukos, director of communications for Operation Food Search, said that Missouri s child poverty rate doubled in 2022, leaving one in six children at risk of hunger. .
Volunteering is a "leap of faith" - donating time and in-kind support to help others who are struggling - but research shows people who pitch in, improve their own mental and physical health. Barbara Guenther is the manager of volunteer programs for New Mexico s Roadrunner Food Bank. She said volunteers aren t always sure what they re getting into, but typically describe the experience as very rewarding. .