Media

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Ozarks Food Harvest in partnership with Crosslines distributed free vegetable plants and seeds to more than 140 families and 430 individuals in the community on Tuesday.

The Food Bank provided two truckloads of plants, seeds and education materials on a first-come, first-served basis. Alongside the plant distribution, Jordan Valley Health and the Greene County Library offered giveaways and information on summer programs. Ozarks Food Harvest also conducted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach during the event to assist individuals and families in accessing benefits.

“This event has been a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together for gardening and hunger-relief efforts,” said Alexa Poindexter, director of Full Circle Gardens at Ozarks Food Harvest. “Our plant distribution continues to grow each year.”

Ozarks Food Harvest’s Full Circle Gardens department is dedicated to strengthening the community’s access to locally grown food through food cultivation and rescue, outreach and garden education. The Food Bank gave special thanks to area seed and plant donors: C&H Plants, Fassnight Creek Farm, Family Through Faith, MSU College of Agriculture, OTC Agriculture Program, Rama’s Greenhouse and Strafford FFA.

“We’re so grateful for all the seed and plants donors, as well as Crosslines, for making this event a success,” said Alexa. “It’s truly a collaborative effort aimed at supporting families in our community.”

Ozarks Food Harvest currently needs volunteers for the Glean Team to help harvest produce at The Food Bank’s farm in Rogersville and at local partner farms.

Those interested in volunteering can apply and schedule sessions online at ozarksfoodharvest.org/volunteer. All sessions must be pre-scheduled and closed-toed shoes are required. For volunteer program questions, contact volunteer recruitment coordinator Dillon Smith at 417-865-3411.

# # #

About Ozarks Food Harvest — The Food Bank
Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank for southwest Missouri, serving 270 faith-based and community charities across a third of Missouri. The Food Bank reaches 70,000 individuals monthly and provides more than 20 million meals annually. Learn more at ozarksfoodharvest.org, facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest or instagram.com/ozarksfoodharvest.

About Council of Churches of the Ozarks (CCO)
Council of Churches of the Ozarks (CCO), is a faith-based 501©3 serving southwest Missouri since 1969. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of our most vulnerable neighbors by doing together what can best be done together in the name of Jesus Christ. With wrap-a-round support services available through multiple outreach programs, such as Crosslines Food Pantry, the Council meets community needs affecting infant to elder. Through the efforts of compassionate individuals from a variety of denominations and backgrounds, CCO has been inspiring hope for families, children, seniors and adults for more than fifty years. For more information about the services and agencies of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, visit ccozarks.org.