On April 22, 2020 a Lanter Distributing refrigerated truck filled with more than a ton of donated fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and other food essentials arrived at Marygrove in Florissant MO, one of four Catholic Charities agencies that benefited from the large donation. Representatives from Good Shepherd Children & Family Services, Queen of Peace Center, and St. Patrick Center were on hand at Marygrove to receive portions of the donated items.

The large donation was organized by top chef and restaurant consultant Rex Hale in cooperation with STL Foodworks; Jack Whisnant of Rain Crow Ranch in Doniphan, Mo. and Lanter Distributing.

“Pulling together a donation of this magnitude was a labor of love and an exercise in generosity,” said Catholic Charities of St. Louis President Theresa Ruzicka, who helped load donations at STL Food Works. “All of our agencies are busy finding ways to safely meet growing needs due to the COVID-19 crisis. Having strong community partners like these helps us serve even more people, including those who are finding themselves needing assistance for the first time in their lives.”

The food will be used to prepare meals for residential clients at the four recipient agencies, as well as walk-in clients at St. Patrick Center. Hundreds will benefit from this generosity.