The University of Missouri in partnership with Feeding Missouri conducted a 3-year study, Food Assistance & Hunger in the Heartland 2021 that illustrates the critical role food banks and pantries play in supplying food to families struggling with hunger.
For kids facing hunger, summer vacation can be anything but a break. When 1 in 5 children across the Ozarks face hunger, the days can be full of worry – worry about not having enough to eat.
As you plant your garden or crops this year, you may think about the fresh veggies you’ll harvest, or the satisfaction of bringing in your own food, but do you ever think about our hungry neighbors who don’t have regular access to fresh produce? In the southwest Missouri, 64% of the households we serve purchase the cheapest food even when it’s not the healthiest option. Ozarks Food Harvest needs your help to increase access to nutritious food.
Hope Center of El Dorado Springs is on a non-stop mission to support people in Cedar County. Though they’ve only been open for 2 years, they’ve already made a lifetime of changes in their community.
Lona Wait has an impressive resume. In her many careers, she has worked as a space researcher, farmer, math teacher, and programmer. Jobs kept her busy, but retiring in 2010 allowed her the time to volunteer like she always wanted.
Central Community UMC Food Pantry is committed to serving neighbors facing hunger in Barry County. Oleta Swolley, Director of Operations at the food pantry says, “The most important thing any distribution center should keep in mind is that when you’re helping people, you need to love what you’re doing and love caring about other people.”