Nearly 2 weeks after storm, volunteers say victims still need fresh meals
World Central Food Kitchen will be offering their last meal Saturday before leaving
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - As the community heals in the aftermath of the May 16 tornado, plenty of volunteers continue to offer food as a prescription.
“We are all working for the same mission and that is to help our community heal,” said Dr. Marty Casey.
The last two weeks have been a whirlwind for Casey. She is feeding people every day and finding plenty of people in the damaged area that still cannot cook.
“The number one issue that we have to keep out front and making sure that we are feeding our community throughout this process,” said Casey.
After the tornado devastated north St. Louis, Casey quickly began working out of St. Louis Artworks, dividing supplies and handing out meals along Delmar.
READ: Storms disrupt momentum for budding Delmar Maker District
The same spot has also been a hub for World Central Kitchen, which has served more than 100,000 people since the storm hit.
“I think that we were saved in order for us to be able to open our space up to our community,” said Jacqueline Dace.
Dace is executive director of St. Louis Artworks. She says they refocused their efforts after the storm to become a space where people can get a meal.
“We’re part of this community as well,” said Dace.
But now, the space will soon close as a food hub. St. Louis Artworks will go back to serving youth, and World Central Kitchen is leaving Saturday after a food giveaway, so local organizations will need to pick up the slack.
“This isn’t something that can just be recovered in a couple of weeks,” said Dace.
“It’s a community effort. There is no one organization taking the lead,” said Casey.
Casey will soon move their operation to St. Paul AME Church off Hamilton, with the help of Pastor Spencer Lamar Booker.
“We’re in to make sure all people are served,” said Pastor Booker.
Right now, the church basement is empty, but come this weekend, supplies will arrive—and so will people. Many are expected to dine inside, but they’re also doing deliveries.
“There are individuals and seniors who cannot get out, there are some people choosing not to leave their homes but they still have to eat,” said Casey.
Despite leaving Saturday, volunteers said World Central Kitchen will be paying for meals through Wednesday of next week, with local restaurants making the food.
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