Media

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Ozark Empire Fair-goers can park free this Sunday after 3 p.m. with a donation of three nonperishable food items for Ozarks Food Harvest.

Collection bins for The Food Bank will be at the Ozark Empire Fair parking gates located on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds between the Dickerson Park Zoo entrance and the fairgrounds and on the north side of the fairgrounds off of Grant and Smith.

Ozarks Food Harvest requests protein-dense donations such as canned meats like tuna, chicken and salmon or canned or dried beans and peas. Canned and boxed foods such as soup, chili, stew, macaroni and cheese, pasta, rice and fruits are also requested. No glass containers will be accepted.

This is the first year Ozarks Food Harvest has partnered with the Fair Board to host a food drive. Fairgoers who do not bring a nonperishable food donation will be charged three dollars by Ozark Empire Fair for parking.

The Food Bank distributed 8.5 million pounds of food to its Network of more than 300 member charities across 28 Ozarks counties last year. To learn more about the food drive, visit www.ozarksfoodharvest.org/ozarkempirefair.html.

# # #

About Ozarks Food Harvest—The Food Bank
Ozarks Food Harvest is the only food bank in southwest Missouri, serving more than 300 hunger relief organizations across 28 Ozarks counties. The Food Bank reaches more than 155,000 individuals and distributes 8.5 million pounds of food annually (July 1, 2009–June 30, 2010) — a value of $14,280,000 distributed to its Network of member charities —making Ozarks Food Harvest one of the largest philanthropic institutions in southwest Missouri. This is made possible due to its member charities and direct-relief programs such as the Weekend Backpack Program™, Kids Cafe® and the Mobile Food Pantry™ program. Learn more at ozarksfoodharvest.org and at facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest.