Local organizations hosting area food distribution, food drive events

A mobile food pantry distribution event in California on Friday will be followed Saturday by a food drive in Jefferson City.

The mobile food pantry is scheduled 1-3 p.m. Friday at Annunciation Catholic Church, 310 Mill St. in California.

The pantry, run by the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, is for anyone in need of assistance.

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri and the Missouri Foundation for Health also are partnering to host the event.

Fresh produce will be distributed at the mobile food pantry at no cost to those in need.

People are asked to make space for the food in their vehicle, as it will be loaded directly into the vehicle to practice social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, people without a vehicle will also be served.

People are asked to bring an ID when possible, but no other documentation will be required. The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri can be reached for questions by calling 573-474-1020.

The food drive Saturday will benefit seniors in need, through Catholic Charities' work with Aging Best.

Community members are asked to drop off needed items 9 a.m.-noon at Helias Catholic High School, 1305 Swifts Highway in Jefferson City.

Needed items are bread and non-perishable food items including beans, canned fruit, canned meat, canned vegetables, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, rice and soup.

Catholic Charities can be contacted for questions about the food drive by calling 573-635-7719 or visiting cccnmo.diojeffcity.org.

Other partners for the event are United Way of Central Missouri, the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, and Helias Catholic High School.