The future for our community looks bright. COVID-19 restrictions are decreasing, restaurants are opening to customers, and many of us are able to see friends and family for the first time in a year. There’s a lot to be hopeful for, but at Ozarks Food Harvest, we know the effects of COVID-19 will linger for the foreseeable future.
A family of five in rural Barton County has hope again after receiving help from an Ozarks Food Harvest hunger-relief partner. Hard times left the family with unstable housing, no transportation and no access to food. They walked to a convenience store or used a neighbor’s water to bathe and use the bathroom because they had no running water. The three boys slept in sleeping bags to keep roaches and mice away at night. The family needed help, and without transportation, they had nowhere to turn.
During the pandemic, the lives of children in the Ozarks changed drastically. It was difficult for them to understand why they couldn’t hug their friends at school or even sit with them at lunch. On top of this mental strain, some kids didn’t get enough to eat. While life continues to be unpredictable, our Weekend Backpack Program provides children in the Ozarks with something they can count on.
From Meghan Haenel’s first day at Senior Age-Alton, she knew that she would make lasting relationships.
Volunteer and master crafter Margene Terrill made 32 quilts during the pandemic, many of which she gave away. But her desire to help others extends beyond donating her comfy creations. She has also donated more than 320 hours of her time to The Food Bank.
Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s annual Splash & Sizzle event provides pool-goers with the opportunity to fight hunger and relax in the sun. From May 31 through Sept. 6, admission to all outdoor pools is $1 or free with one canned food item per person every day between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Last spring, our world was turned upside down.
Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for your support. Thank you for helping so many families get through an unpredictable year.
Want to help fight hunger while enjoying the outdoors? Join Ozarks Food Harvest’s Glean Team!
When one door closes, another opens—and that was certainly the case for volunteer Dave Lappin. After Dave was laid off from his graphic design job at the beginning of the pandemic, he began pursuing freelance work. With some extra time on his hands, he started looking for volunteer opportunities in the community.
Each month, Crosslines of McDonald County provides food, clothing and household items to families that need a little extra help. As the only food pantry in the county, Crosslines serves between 1,000 and 1,300 people each month.