Media

WHAT:  Ozarks Food Harvest’s regional hunger relief conference, “Delivering Hope”

WHERE:  Clarion Hotel, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Mo.

WHEN:  Monday, September 17, 2007, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Governor Matt Blunt and Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, Rod Jetton, among others, will speak at Ozarks Food Harvest’s annual regional agency relations conference on Monday, September 17, 2007, at the Clarion Hotel, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave.

The conference, titled “Delivering Hope,” will feature sessions to help representatives from hunger relief agencies learn more about hunger and poverty issues, advocacy, federal nutrition programs and social welfare in Missouri.

“This is a once-a-year opportunity for those working every day on the front lines of hunger relief to have the chance to network with each other,” said the food bank’s executive director, Bart Brown.

Registration starts at 8 a.m., and Jetton will speak during the general session, which begins at 8:30 a.m. The Speaker of the House will present an overview and explain benefits of the newly passed HB 453, and why he supports the bill. It qualifies contributors to anti-hunger charities to receive tax credits in an amount equal to 50% of the value of the donation. Blunt will speak at 11:10 a.m.

In addition to State Leaders addressing representatives from 300 hunger relief agencies, the conference will spotlight Ozarks food Harvest’s newest project, The Mobile Food Pantry. The Mobile Food Pantry is a cooperative project of area Rotary Clubs, Ridewell Suspensions, and Ozarks Food Harvest. The new Mobile Food Pantry truck travels throughout the 29 counties served by Ozarks Food Harvest, distributing food and supplies directly to individuals in need. In 2007, the Mobile Food Pantry has distributed more than 90 tons of food to more than 5,000 individuals. A sample MFP distribution for conference participants will take place at 1:30 p.m

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To learn more, contact Lindsey Neddenriep at (417) 865-3411.