Rep. Doug Beck, D-Affton, and the Missouri House Democratic Caucus will sponsor a food drive to benefit the Affton Christian Food Pantry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.
Donations will be accepted at the Affton Fire Protection District, 9282 Gravois Road, the Beck residence at 9426 Brenda Ave. and the Shop ’n Save parking lot at 5780 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

The Affton Christian Food Pantry saw a 20-percent increase in residents needing help with food and other daily items this year alone, organizers said. Nationwide, Missouri ranks seventh in the nation in food insecurity, and 1.2 million Missourians visited a food bank in 2014.

Organizers are asking for people to bring:

Cereal, dry beans, canned beans, mac and cheese, peanut butter, tuna and mixed vegetables.

Meal supplements: Stovetop/Hamburger and Tuna Helper/Rice-A-Roni/Lipton mixes, et cetera)

Personal care items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, detergent

Monetary donations are also always welcome.