CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — In response to scorching temperatures gripping the region, the Red Star Food Pantry in Cape Girardeau, Missouri has made the decision to postpone its scheduled food distribution for tomorrow, June 25.
The announcement came via a Facebook post today, citing concerns over the extreme heat as the primary reason for the postponement. Coordinator Kevin Sexton emphasized that this decision, while challenging, was made with the safety of both volunteers and the community in mind.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve had to adjust our schedule due to the heat,” Sexton remarked, recalling similar actions taken last year. The food pantry typically serves between 150 to 180 families biweekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, with demand typically spiking during the summer months.
“We have a significant number of volunteers, many of whom are over the age of 60, and a large portion of our clients are elderly as well,” Sexton explained. “Given the extreme conditions, we felt it was best to avoid any situation where individuals might be forced to choose between receiving food assistance and risking their health in the heat.”
Despite the postponement, Sexton reassured the community that emergency food needs can still be addressed. “Anyone in urgent need of food assistance can contact Red Star Food Pantry directly or visit our Facebook page for support,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Red Star Food Pantry plans to reschedule the distribution to Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m., pending weather conditions.
For further updates and assistance, individuals are encouraged to stay informed through Red Star Food Pantry’s official channels.
This decision reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its volunteers and those it serves, particularly in the face of challenging weather conditions.
Related Topics: