During a recent government meeting in Lee's Summit, community leaders gathered to celebrate the success of the annual Oktoberfest event and to address the pressing issue of hunger in the area. The meeting commenced with expressions of gratitude for the Oktoberfest, highlighting its positive impact on the community and the enjoyable atmosphere it created.
The focal point of the meeting was the proclamation of November 2024 as \"Feed Lee's Summit Month.\" This initiative aims to raise awareness about hunger, which affects various vulnerable groups, including children, seniors, veterans, and the unemployed. The proclamation emphasized the ongoing challenge of finding solutions to alleviate hunger and recognized the efforts of local nonprofit organizations dedicated to this cause.
On November 12, 2024, the three Rotary Clubs of Lee's Summit will host a fundraising event to support local organizations such as Coldwater, Lee's Summit Social Services, Meals on Wheels, Boost for Success, and 1 Good Meal. These organizations collectively serve over 47,100 residents in need. The mayor acknowledged the growing demand for assistance in the community, noting that the event has expanded significantly over the years due to increasing needs.
Several representatives from the nonprofit organizations spoke at the meeting, sharing their experiences and the rising demand for food assistance. Monica Humbard, executive director of Coldwater of Lee's Summit, reported a 74% increase in food pantry visits over the past year. Other leaders echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community support and collaboration in addressing hunger.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued community involvement and support for the upcoming fundraising event, underscoring the collective effort required to combat hunger in Lee's Summit.