United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) is launching its second annual food drive and accompanying Workplace Wonder Competition.

United Way challenges community members and participating businesses, or "Workplace Wonders," to collect nonperishable, nonexpired food items in a community-wide food drive. Where applicable, businesses will encourage their clients and customers to participate.

The food drive begins on July 10 at the United Way WINSday Cape Catfish baseball game at Capaha Field against the Danville Dans. The two-week competition culminates at the United Way WINSday Cape Catfish game at Capaha Field against the Springfield Luckyshoes on July 24, with the “Workplace Wonder” winner to be announced via Facebook on Monday, July 29.

At the end of the competition, businesses will deliver collected food items to a United Way-funded nutrition partner. Community members are also asked to bring food items to the UWSEMO office or any participating nutrition partners listed on UWSEMO’s website.

Last year’s event resulted in nearly 2,000 canned and dried food items provided for eight funded partners of United Way, with Commerce Bank winning the inaugural award.

“It was so easy to do! Many of our customers got involved, and we learned so much when we took the food to the pantry,” said Kelly Faircloth, who managed Commerce Bank’s event. “It was so nice to learn about resources we can share with people in need.”

All participating workplaces will be featured on United Way’s social media and website. The participating business that collects the most items per employee will receive bragging rights and the coveted traveling “Workplace Wonder” award to display for the entire year. Participants will also receive a “We Support United Way” yard sign and a marketing toolkit to help promote the food drive.

Current participating workplaces include: the Cape Girardeau and Jackson locations of Commerce Bank, First Missouri State Bank on South Mount Auburn in Cape Girardeau, The Bank of Missouri Perryville, Wood & Huston Bank in Cape Girardeau, and FOX23.

According to their 2022-2023 annual report, UWSEMO served 10,509 meals and partnered with 30 funded partners who represented 34 programs. The organization continues to provide for partners with food pantries and nutrition programs in the Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry and Northern Scott counties with this year’s competition.

If your business or organization is interested in becoming a Workplace Wonder, please visit unitedwayofsemo.org/food-drive/ or call 573-334-9634.