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Madison Hays, a senior at Missouri State University, began volunteering with Ozarks Food Harvest to fulfill a scholarship obligation. But even after meeting the 120-hour requirement this summer, she kept coming back.

“I volunteered at a few other places before this, but I really like Ozarks Food Harvest because its values align very well with my own,” she shared.

Madison, who plans to attend law school after completing her final semester of undergrad this winter, spent the majority of her summer sorting food in the Volunteer Center for Ozarks Food Harvest’s hunger relief partners.

She was particularly interested in Ozarks Food Harvest after finding out about the Weekend Backpack Program, which provides meals for food insecure children every weekend of the school year.

“When I was younger, I always used to see kids at my school with the food bags, and now I realize what they were for. That also made me want to volunteer here,” she said.

As a volunteer, Madison appreciates The Food Bank’s organization and consistency.

“I really appreciate how organized it is. Ozarks Food Harvest is really great at making me feel accomplished and I really like how clear our goals are each time.” she expressed. “Since I’m here to volunteer, I want to make sure I’m doing something good.”

Before she started giving time at Ozarks Food Harvest, Madison worked at a bank. She enjoyed the environment and the tasks she was given, but she didn’t feel like she was making an impact in the community.

“I feel better about myself now that I can say, ‘I’m doing something good,’ instead of just saying, ‘I’m doing something this summer.’”
Madison plans to continue to volunteer with us at least once a week through her fall semester at MSU.

We’re incredibly grateful for Madison and for her decision to spend the summer with us! To sign up to volunteer at The Food Bank, visit ozarksfoodharvest.org/volunteer.