Career and technical student organizations at nearly 100 schools in Missouri provided about 320,000 pounds of food for Missourians in need during the "Show Me the Hunger: Unite the Fight" statewide food drive.

The event, held in partnership with the Missouri Food Bank Association, was highlighted during Career Technical Education Month in February. In addition to feeding the hungry, the food drive­ was designed to increase awareness of hunger in local communities.

"I commend the hundreds of students throughout the state for their participation in this event," said Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. "Involvement in school organizations not only helps prepare students for college and careers, it encourages students to become involved in their communities."

Food items and cash donations collected by the school groups were distributed to about 100 community food pantries, regional food banks and the Missouri Food Bank Association. The dollar value of the contributions totaled nearly $32,000.

The Missouri Food Bank Association is a group of six regional food banks working to provide hunger relief in every county of the state. According to the association, one in eight Missourians receive emergency food assistance every year. Nearly 25 percent of children in Missouri live in households that experience food insecurity and are at risk of not being able to provide adequate food for family members.

For more information about Missouri's career and technical student organizations, visit here.