The St. James Caring Center continues its mission to fight food insecurity through its monthly drive-through food distribution, held every third Thursday of the month. This important community service, known as Commodity Day, is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, churches, the Food Bank of Missouri, and numerous families and individuals who donate food products.

What many do not realize is the physical challenge involved in preparing these distributions. Grocery carts filled with healthy, nutritious food quickly become heavy, creating a strain for many of the Center’s dedicated volunteers—most of whom are older adults. To help lift this burden, students from the St. James School District regularly step in to assist.

High School Band members, the Middle School Citizenship Class, and the High School Boys Basketball team arrive by 7 a.m. to begin the day’s work, offering energy, strength, and enthusiasm that make the operation run smoothly.

“We cannot express enough gratitude to the St. James School Administrators for allowing students to participate,” the Caring Center Executive Director Nancy Montgomery shared. “This partnership is invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of the students who give their time to support their community.”

The St. James Caring Center looks forward to continuing this strong collaboration and expresses heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to serving local families.