Archives for March, 2016

Check Out Hunger raises over $31,700

Check Out Hunger raises over $31,700

March 30, 2016 in Donation drive Harvest Time Newsletter

2.1 million meals served since the 17th annual fundraiser began

Nearly 60 area grocery stores partnered with Ozarks Food Harvest during the holiday season for the 17th annual Check Out Hunger, raising $31,763 for people in need across southwest Missouri.

This year’s campaign provided nearly 159,000 meals to children, families and seniors in the Ozarks.

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7 Billion Ones: Lou Ann’s Story

7 Billion Ones: Lou Ann’s Story

March 14, 2016 in 7 Billion Ones

My dad was a bricklayer, and mom worked front desk jobs. She came home every night to make us dinner and there was always food. I had never been poor or gone without until I found myself in need, in my late 20’s. It opened my eyes to a lot; particularly to something I had never seen.

When my husband Dave returned to school to get his Ph.D. in Physics, back in Arizona, we had three boys. After we had our  third child, we were needing more funds. We had food stamps, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), program benefits, and medical assistance due to our low income. Those were a big help, and when we ran out of them, my husband’s parents helped us on a regular basis.

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Glean Team kicks-off third garden season

Glean Team kicks-off third garden season

March 4, 2016 in Get Involved

Ozarks Food Harvest’s Glean Team began its third season on March 2 with volunteers preparing garden beds for crops at local community gardens.

Last season, volunteers gave over 1,400 hours planting and harvesting at area gardens and farms to provide nearly 23,000 pounds of fresh produce to children, families and seniors in need right here in the Ozarks.

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Meet Agency Director Barbara Long

March 2, 2016 in Director Spotlight

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Barbara Long began her journey with Nevada Community Outreach in 2001 as a volunteer board member. During her time as board president, the pantry’s longtime director resigned and Long was tasked with finding the pantry’s new director.

Her tiresome search lasted over a year — involving two new directors that did not remain in the position. Long had always wanted to attempt being the director, but felt overwhelmed because her mom was battling cancer.

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Calvary Chapel food pantry expands debt-free

Calvary Chapel food pantry expands debt-free

March 1, 2016 in Agency Spotlight

Before Calvary Chapel secured a new building for its food pantry, it was common to see people from nearly 300 households waiting in line outside the church to receive commodities.

The church located in Buffalo, Missouri, began its food pantry in 2011 with the expectation of serving 100 to 150 households at each monthly distribution. Within the first few months of operation, Calvary Chapel saw those numbers climb drastically.

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Meet Agency Director Chris Parker

March 1, 2016 in Director Spotlight

Chris Parker_Marshfield Senior Center 2 (2)Chris Parker started volunteering at the Marshfield Senior Center 30 years ago. When she heard about the opening for a full-time position, she quickly applied. Parker has been the director of the Marshfield Senior Center, partially funded by the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, for five years.

Q: What sparked your interest to work at SWMOA?

A: I like working with the seniors. They have such great stories because they have seen and done so much. It is a pleasure to be a part of their lives.

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