St. Louis City SC, Schnucks fight hunger with inaugural food drive
St. Louis City SC and Schnuck Markets are asking local soccer fans to help fight hunger in the region by participating in the first-ever CityPark Food Drive on Sept. 20. The CityPark Food Drive benefiting Operation Food Search will take place on Lou Fusz Plaza during the City Block Party, ahead of the team’s home match vs. LAFC.
According to Operation Food Search, an estimated 15% of Missourians are food insecure, meaning they lack access to adequate food because of limited money or other resources. Additionally, 1 in 6 children in St. Louis are at risk of hunger. At 7%, Missouri ranks third worst in the nation for food insecurity among adults aged 50 to 59 years old; the St. Louis region fares even worse at 7.5%.
“Food insecurity and hunger are major concerns in our region. We are committed to being an exceptional neighbor and bring together our club, our fans and our partners to make a difference and help fight food insecurity,” said Barbra Silva, St. Louis City SC’s director of community relations. “We are looking forward to working with Schnucks on the CityPark Food Drive and hope our fans will join us in supporting this very important cause – making sure no St. Louisan goes hungry.”
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“At Schnucks, we believe it’s our obligation to support our communities by helping to fight food insecurity and hunger in the regions we serve. Our biggest partner in this endeavor in the St. Louis area is Operation Food Search, and we’re happy to add St. Louis City SC to the team,” said Bill Bradley, Schnucks chief marketing and communications officer. “Our mission to nourish people’s lives goes well beyond the food that we sell in our stores. We are also committed to making sure those most in need have fresh, nutritious sustenance for themselves and their families.”
On matchday, Operation Food Search will have blue donation bins located at each stadium entrance and as part of a display on Lou Fusz Plaza. Items the team is requesting fans bring include:
- Canned soup, chili, stews with meat/beans;
- Canned fruit in natural juices;
- Canned/pouches of light tuna, salmon and chicken;
- Canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, spaghetti sauces (low sodium appreciated);
- Canned beans (low sodium appreciated);
- Canned vegetables;
- Instant brown rice;
- Whole wheat pasta;
- Boxed meal kits;
- Dried spices: chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano and basil;
- Deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste;
- No glass containers or ramen noodles; and
- Pop-top cans.
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Also at the CityPark Food Drive, visit the Operation Food Search tent to make a monetary donation to the organization. $20 donations will be entered into a raffle for a signed team kit.