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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Southeast Missouri men’s and women’s basketball teams are once again partnering with Southeast Missouri Food Bank for the Block Hunger campaign.
Now in its second year, the initiative turns every Redhawk blocked shot into meals for neighbors facing hunger. For each block made during the 2025–26 basketball season, Drury Southwest, First State Community Bank, and the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will donate $10 to the food bank.
Last season, Block Hunger raised $6,330 to help provide food to neighbors across the region. This year, players and sponsors are aiming even higher.
“Every blocked shot by the Redhawks helps put food on tables of our neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Joey Keys, president and CEO of SEMO Food Bank. “We are thankful for our sponsors and the players for stepping up defensively to make a difference.”
Nate Saverino, Southeast Missouri Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs added that the partnership reflects the program’s commitment to serving the region both on and off the court.
“SEMO Athletics is proud to support the important work of Southeast Missouri Food Bank,” Saverino said. “Our student-athletes know the value of teamwork, and that extends beyond the game. Volunteering at the food bank and being part of Block Hunger allows us to give back to the community that supports us year-round.”
In the off-season, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams volunteered at Southeast Missouri Food Bank, packing food boxes for families and seniors in need.
Fans can follow the Block Hunger progress throughout the season on SEMO Food Bank’s Facebook and Instagram.
About Southeast Missouri Food Bank
The mission of Southeast Missouri Food Bank is to end hunger and leverage the power of food to build healthy communities. The food bank provides food to 140 charitable and disaster relief programs in Southeast Missouri. These member agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, domestic violence and homeless shelters. Southeast Missouri Food Bank also holds regular mobile food distributions and provides monthly boxes of food to 5,600 senior citizens and weekend backpacks of food during the school year to 1,100 students in area school districts. The food bank’s 16-county coverage area includes Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard and Wayne counties. Those interested in helping can do so by making a tax-deductible contribution, donating food, or scheduling a time to volunteer. Visit semofoodbank.org for more information.