Media

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Ozarks Food Harvest received 5,300 pounds of chicken this holiday season, thanks to Smart Chicken’s 23rd annual Smart Giving Holiday Challenge campaign. The Food Bank will distribute the chicken to its network of 270 faith-based and community charities to meet the increased demand for food in southwest Missouri.

Through its Smart Giving Holiday Challenge, Smart Chicken donates 10% of poultry purchased at participating retailers in November to Ozarks Food Harvest. Participating retailers include Apple Market, Country Mart, Food 4 Less, G&W Foods, Harter House, Price Cutter, Town & Country and Woods Supermarket.

“This donation comes at a time when families are facing rising costs, making it harder to access the nutritious food they need,” said Bart Brown, president and CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. “We’re so thankful for Smart Chicken’s longstanding partnership, especially as we head into the most challenging time of year for folks facing hunger.”

Ozarks Food Harvest reports more families continue to seek food assistance from its network of 270 partners than during the height of the pandemic. The Food Bank’s network now serves an average of 90,000 individuals each month.

“We’re proud to partner with local grocers and customers through our Smart Giving Holiday Challenge to help families facing hunger,” said Joe Horvath, account manager for Smart Chicken. “As we head into the winter season, this donation ensures that families in need have access to high-quality, protein-rich meals.”

Since 2004, Ozarks Food Harvest has received more than 172,200 pounds of poultry from Smart Chicken. To learn how you can support Ozarks Food Harvest this holiday season, visit ozarksfoodharvest.org.

# # #

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 over 90,000 individuals monthly and provides more than 23 million meals annually. Learn more at ozarksfoodharvest.org, facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest or instagram.com/ozarksfoodharvest.

About Smart Chicken
Smart Chicken is dedicated to producing the safest, highest quality fresh chicken in the United States while exemplifying excellence in all aspects of customer service. Their dedication to care, sustainability, and premium products is at the heart of everything they do. Learn more at smartchicken.com, instagram.com/smartchicken_official, facebook.com/smartchicken.