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Hunger doesn’t take a summer break. For families facing hunger, summer can be a challenge because children lose access to the school meals that kept them fed during the school year. Many parents and guardians worry about how they’ll fill the gap for up to three months.

Help us connect children and families to nourishing meals this summer through our Summer Harvest campaign, presented by Paul Mueller. When you make a gift today or get involved in one of our Summer Harvest events, you’ll help families keep meals on the table so kids are free to grow and play all summer long.

Ozarks Food Harvest works to end child hunger through our Summer Food Program, Mobile Food Pantries and our network of 270 faith-based and community charities in southwest Missouri. Your support will help fill the gaps for children and families facing hunger this summer.

There are several ways to get involved in Summer Harvest this year:

Splash & Sizzle, May 26-Sept. 1. Between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. daily, admission to all outdoor Springfield-Greene County Park Board pools is $1 or free when you bring one canned food item per person. Donations will be distributed to our neighbors facing hunger across our network.

Tremendicon, May 30-June 1. Tremendicon is a three-day multimedia creators convention put on by creators for creators and the people that enjoy tremendous creations. A portion of proceeds will support Ozarks Food Harvest.

Taste of SoMo, June 21. THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL FALL 2025. STAY TUNED FOR NEW DETAILS LATER THIS SUMMER. Are you ready for the Springfield foodie’s dream? Enjoy a day of delicious food and beer sampling, learning stations, live music and more at Mother’s Brewing Company! Ozarks Food Harvest receives a portion of the proceeds.

Lucas Oil Speedway Food Drive, June 21. On Saturday, June 21, donate four nonperishable food items at Lucas Oil Speedway and get FREE admission to the races! The evening will feature exhilarating dirt track racing for the whole family to enjoy.

Wheels for Meals with Caliber Collision. On June 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Caliber Collision is hosting a charity car show and food drive to help Ozarks Food Harvest end hunger this summer. Bring you custom and classic cars, or just browse and enjoy a day of cars, coffee, raffles and family-friendly activities.

United Way Day of Caring Food Drive, June 26. Volunteers from community businesses will be collecting food and funds from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Springfield Hy-Vee locations to benefit Ozarks Food Harvest. Stop by to donate money and nonperishable food items.

Ozarks Food Harvest month at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, July 1-July 31. When you donate blood in July, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will TRIPLE the value of your LifePoints donation to Ozarks Food Harvest. You earn LifePoints each time you donate blood, and CBCO converts those points to cash for the charity of your choice. Help end hunger and save lives by giving blood during July.

Donate or host a fundraiser.

Donate your excess produce through our Plant A Row program.

Volunteer with us.