News

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.

Although the fundraiser ran from November through December 2015, The Food Bank received checks from participating grocers throughout the first few months of 2016.

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.

“Now that the final check is in, we’re excited to announce another successful total,” said Denise Gibson, Ozarks Food Harvest director of development and communication. “We’re thankful to have such dedicated area grocers, and their customers, that have made this campaign possible over the years.”

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 2015, participating grocers included Akin’s, 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, Smitty’s, Summer Fresh and Woods Supermarket.

Since the annual fundraiser began, Check Out Hunger has raised a grand total of $418,882 — providing nearly 2.1 million meals for hungry people throughout The Food Bank’s 28-county service area.