News

Nearly 60 area grocery stores partnered with Ozarks Food Harvest for Check Out Hunger 2016, raising $45,482 to provide nearly 182,000 meals to people in need across southwest Missouri.

Although the fundraiser ran from November through December 2016, The Food Bank received checks from participating grocers throughout the first few months of 2017. This is an ideal time for Ozarks Food Harvest to receive the financial boost from Check Out Hunger due to the drop in donations The Food Bank experiences after the holiday season.

“We are truly grateful for the loyal support of our local grocers who have helped make Check Out Hunger such a success over the past 18 years,” said Denise Gibson, development and communication director at Ozarks Food Harvest. “Their help has been vital in raising these needed funds, and also educating the public about the one in four people across the Ozarks who struggle with hunger.”

Check Out Hunger gives shoppers the opportunity to add a $1, $3 or $5 tax-free donation to their grocery bill when checking out at area retailers.

In 2016, participating grocers included Akin’s Natural Foods, Bistro Market, Country Mart, Harter House, Hy-Vee, King Cash Saver, Murfin’s Market, Pennington’s Supermarket, Price Cutter, Price Cutter Plus, Ramey, Rhodes Family Price Chopper, Summer Fresh and Woods Supermarket.

“This drive is made possible by the many community members who stepped up to give donations throughout this holiday drive. We’re so thankful for their gifts,” Gibson said.

Since the annual fundraiser began, Check Out Hunger has raised a grand total of $464,364 — providing more than 2.27 million meals for hungry people.