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Hunger Action Month aims to raise awareness and funds for The Food Bank’s Weekend Backpack Program

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Ozarks Food Harvest is asking the community for help in September to raise awareness and funds for families facing hunger in southwest Missouri. The funds raised through The Food Bank’s Hunger Action Month events and partnerships will benefit the Weekend Backpack Program that provides children in need with meals every weekend of the school year.

Hunger Action Month is part of Feeding America’s nationwide campaign to mobilize the public to take action against hunger in the community. In southwest Missouri, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 6 adults face hunger.

“We’re asking the community to get involved in simple ways this month as families continue to deal with increased prices for food,” said Bart Brown, Ozarks Food Harvest’s president/CEO. “Making a donation, scheduling a volunteer session or supporting one of our partners are all ways to help our neighbors in need right now.”

Ozarks Food Harvest distributes nearly 58,000 backpacks annually across its 28-county service area through its Weekend Backpack Program. A monthly donation of $30, or a one-time donation of $360, will sponsor a child with weekend meals for an entire school year.

The Food Bank has several ways for the community to get involved in the fight against hunger in September. Participants can find more information about local partnerships and events at hungeractionmonth.info.

• 24th annual Hungerthon with iHeartRadio Springfield is Sept. 9 through Sept. 12. Tune in to Alice 95.5, US97, 100.5 The Wolf and 105.9 KGBX to listen for dollar-for-dollar matches that will double your impact for the Weekend Backpack Program. You can also make a donation at ozarksfoodharvest.org/donate/Hungerthon.
• Go Orange Auction is Sept. 14 through Sept. 16. Participants can bid on silent auction items and packages from local shops, restaurants and artists to benefit Ozarks Food Harvest’s Weekend Backpack Program.
• Tea Bar & Bites Apron Fashion Show is Sept. 22 and hosted by Kelly Smith of Ozarks Fox AM. Participants can bid on handmade and vintage aprons with proceeds benefiting the Weekend Backpack Program. Tickets to the event are limited and can be purchased at Tea Bar & Bites Bakery or by calling 417-866-7500.
• Empty Bowls with Panera Bread is Sept. 30. Participants can purchase and bid on bowls handcrafted by local artists with proceeds benefitting the Weekend Backpack Program. Participants can also purchase or bid on bowls online from Sept. 26 through Sept. 29.

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About Ozarks Food Harvest — The Food Bank
Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank for southwest Missouri, serving 270 hunger-relief organizations across 28 Ozarks counties. The Food Bank reaches 50,000 individuals monthly and provides more than 20 million meals annually. Learn more at ozarksfoodharvest.org, facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest, or twitter.com/ozksfoodharvest.