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SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Ozarks Food Harvest is asking churches, businesses, schools or any interested group to participate in the second annual community Fish Drive during Lent, Feb. 10 to March 24.

The Fish Drive emphasizes the donation of nutritious fish in cans or pouches. High-protein food like fish is one of the most needed items requested by The Food Bank’s network of 200 hunger-relief organizations.

Food Bank staff thought this type of drive would be a creative way for Lenten observers to put their faith into action and help feed their neighbors in need throughout southwest Missouri.

“One in four people in the Ozarks receive food assistance from our network of agencies,” said Denise Gibson, Ozarks Food Harvest director of development and communication. “There is a big need for this food drive in the community.”

To help increase protein options for Ozarks Food Harvest’s partner agencies, participating groups are asked to collect items such as canned or pouched tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines or oysters.

“We are encouraging all groups throughout the Ozarks to promote this unique food drive in their communities,” Gibson said. “The more fish we collect, the more families we can ensure will not go hungry.”

The first Fish Drive collected 569 pounds of food — providing 474 nutritious meals for hungry children, families and seniors throughout the Ozarks.

Register your group for this year’s drive and learn more information by emailing OFH Community Engagement Coordinator Christy Claybaker at cclaybaker@ozarksfoodharvest.org.

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About Ozarks Food Harvest — The Food Bank

Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank for southwest Missouri, serving more than 200 organizations across 28 Ozarks counties. The Food Bank provides 14 million meals annually to more than 260,000 unduplicated individuals. Learn more at ozarksfoodharvest.org, facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest or twitter.com/ozksfoodharvest.