News

The last few months have been quite challenging for our communities here in the Ozarks. Our friends and neighbors—many who have never been in need of food assistance before—have struggled to stay afloat.

We’ve seen an increased need across the Ozarks and have distributed a record-breaking 6.5 million pounds of food in the last three months. That’s 527,400 more pounds than this time period last year. More than 193,000 of those pounds have been distributed through Mobile Food Pantries, which are geared toward furloughed workers and those experiencing other hardships related to COVID-19.

So many families have found the help they need through Ozarks Food Harvest and our hunger-relief partners, but our work is far from done. Due to declines in food donations, The Food Bank needs to purchase $2.2 million worth of additional food to help local families. We know we need an additional $500,000 each month to continue to respond to the pandemic.

These donations help provide meals for people like Amy, a single mom who’s trying her best to take care of her 14-year-old daughter. She received food at one of our Mobile Food Pantries last month.

“We need food in our family, it’s hard. It’s amazing you’re able to do this and help families because right now there’s a big need for help. Thank you,” she shared.

The majority of funds needed will purchase food items that will be distributed through our network of 270 hunger-relief partners and through Mobile Food Pantry distributions across southwest Missouri.

This increase in distribution has also led to the need for additional staff and resources. In order to deliver the food, our transportation and equipment expenses have also increased.

We’re making progress, but the road to recovery will be long and challenging. We’re adapting to a “new normal,” but many friends and neighbors will continue to need help paying their bills and affording groceries for months to come. Ozarks Food Harvest needs your help to continue serving the community through whatever comes next.

Your generosity will help families directly affected by the pandemic. Ninety-six cents of every dollar donated helps support our food programs and hunger-relief partners, so you can trust that your gifts are used wisely.

Please consider making a gift to the COVID-19 Hope Fund today. And remember, this year, the CARES Act will allow you to deduct up to $300 of your gift over your standard charitable deduction if you do not itemize your taxes. If you do itemize, the existing cap on annual contributions has been raised from 60 percent of adjusted gross income to 100 percent. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity.

I invite you to join us on the road to recovery in southwest Missouri. Your compassion will bring hope to so many who are struggling!