Archives for August, 2015

September is Hunger Action Month!

August 27, 2015 in Donation drive Food drive

This year during Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month, Ozarks Food Harvest will celebrate by holding events throughout the month of September to raise awareness of hunger issues in the Ozarks. Locally, one in six adults and one in four children are food insecure, which means they may not know where their next meal is coming from. More than 260,000 people in southwest Missouri receive food from The Food Bank every year.

Hunger Action Month is a nationwide campaign throughout September designed to mobilize the public to take action on the issue of hunger and join the movement to help end hunger for the 49 million Americans who struggle.

Check out the 30 ways in 30 days calendar below to find out all the amazing ways you can help fight hunger this September!

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Local chefs provide new stove for Springfield Community Center

Local chefs provide new stove for Springfield Community Center

August 25, 2015 in Agency Spotlight

The Springfield Community Center, an Ozarks Food Harvest After-School Food Program site, received a generous donation of a new commercial-grade stove from a local executive chefs’ group.

Since 2010, the American Culinary Federation’s Springfield-Branson Chefs’ Association has volunteered at the Springfield Community Center to provide area children with lunch or dinner meals that are typically served at restaurants like Leong’s, Fire & Ice, Twin Oaks Country Club, Cook’s Kettle at Victory Mission, Nakato Japanese Steakhouse as well as demonstrations from food vendors, such as Sysco.

“The chefs provide more than just food and meals at the After-School Food Program,” said Calvin Allen, director of the Springfield Community Center. “They develop relationships and create bonds, providing a complete educational experience for the children.”

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Retired assistant finds purpose in volunteering

Retired assistant finds purpose in volunteering

August 6, 2015 in Volunteer Spotlight

After Arlene Eichler retired, she was anxious to find something meaningful to fill her days.

“I get up early and exercise,” the 71-year-old shared, “but after that I thought, ‘Now what am I going to do?’”

Arlene began volunteering at Ozarks Food Harvest nearly four years ago and since then has given 657 hours of her time. She also volunteers twice a week with Well of Life, an OFH member agency.

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