Saturday is the kick off distribution day for a new rural food pantry. Gas and groceries have left many mid-Missourians in a difficult place. Some who need it most often live too far to drive to the closest food bank.

"With the high fuel costs right now, it's especially important to get the food as close as possible to the people who need it," said Central Missouri Food Bank Executive Director, Peggy Kirkpatrick. "We could end hunger tomorrow. All it takes is for each of us to see the poverty or the need of our neighbor and do something about it."

That's where Sandy Kietzman comes in. She decided to pitch in and bring food where it's needed.

"My husband and I have been renting a UHaul truck.We figured out that just on Wednesday, we picked up over 1,400 pounds of food, and on Saturday we got 800 pounds of chicken," exclaimed Kietzman.

Keitzman plans to target Centralia, Hallsville and Sturgeon, areas known for rural farming communities by bringing pounds of food and a healthy serving of hope.

"One of the big goals that we have is we want to make sure that people didn't feel embarrassed didn't feel bad about having to come. You're already in a state of mind that you have to come and do this. We want people to enjoy it we'll have music that will be playing we'll have motivational speakers. If they have needs there's someone else in the community to meet those needs and to be an ear or even more than that," said Kietzman.

Saturday morning is the first day for food distribution. The food will be distributed at the "Reaching Heights Ministry" Church on 403 McDowell Street from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information or if you have a problem call the emergency number 573-819-1897.