Food Pantry for Military Families Perseveres Through Pandemic

Just weeks before the world shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tirey J. Ford American Legion Post 21 celebrated its grand opening in Independence, Missouri. Committed to carrying out their goal of assisting active duty military, veterans and their families across MO, Post 21 found ways to adapt. Val DiGiorgio shares the heartwarming story:

In 2020, Tirey J. Ford American Legion Post 21 was contacted by H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri.  The nonprofit explained that they were in critical need of replacing a food pantry resource in the community which had recently been closed.  H.E.R.O.E.S. expressed that this effort would assist local veterans, active duty military members and their families who were facing food insecurity.  The decision to continue the effort at Post 21 was a no-brainer: absolutely, they would!  The Legion Family sprung into action and tirelessly worked to establish what is now the local food pantry in Independence, MO.  Even when slammed with restrictions brought on by the pandemic and public health concerns, the initiative found a way by establishing a Food Pantry Drive Thru on the last Saturday of every month during the height of the coronavirus situation.  Bravo, Post 21!  The DiGiorgio family salutes you!