NECAC looking for food items, volunteers to help confront poverty in five northeast Missouri counties

NEW LONDON, Mo. — The North East Community Action Corporation, a non-profit organization founded in 1965, confronts poverty and supports community development through utility assistance, housing programs and community services.

Community coordinators at each service center work with people and families to meet the needs of that specific area. A service center is in each of United Way’s five service counties.

Stephanie Dunker, coordinator at Ralls County NECAC, listed several ways to help such as food items and volunteers. Food items are an important way to help in Ralls County, which has low food security. Dunker looks for items to help create meals and snacks between other food pantry distributions.

In a press release, Dunker said, “I’ve really tried to focus on the meals because the purpose of this pantry is to get them food and meals until (they go to) the bigger pantries, where they can get more groceries. So, an immediate meal is often helpful.”

Other items to donate are:

• Meat (fresh meat or canned meats like chicken and spam)
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Cheese (blocks, slices, or Velveeta)
• Butter
• Flour and sugar
• Milk (both shelf-stable and fresh)

Donations can be dropped off at Ralls County NECAC at 411 Main in New London.

Dunker said volunteering is a great way to get involved, from helping pick up food donations from Walmart and Aldi and stocking the food pantry to various jobs around the office. Monetary donations are accepted.

To find out more about helping each local service center in the United Way’s service communities, contact these centers:

• Lewis County — 408 S. Fourth, Canton, MO 63435, (573) 288-3969
• Marion County — 3518 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401. (573) 221-7166
• Monroe County — 314 N Washington, Paris, MO 65275, (660) 327-4110
• Ralls County — 411 Main, New London, MO 63459, (573) 985-2411
• Shelby County — 204 E. Third, Shelbyville, MO 63469, (573) 633-2210