In 1965, community members banded together to create the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC). The organization was designed to alleviate poverty in southwest Missouri. OACAC currently serves 10 counties.
On the second Saturday of every month, 74-year-old Marie rises before the sun and makes her way to St. Joseph’s food pantry in Billings. Distribution days are her favorite—but not because she knows she’ll receive a box of food at the end of the morning.
Many children in the Ozarks are gearing up for a long winter break full of opening presents, traveling and enjoying holiday treats with family and friends. But for food insecure kids, winter break is filled with worry about how they’ll manage to eat without the security of school breakfasts and lunches for two weeks.
At Ozarks Food Harvest, we take food safety seriously. To ensure our food is being handled and distributed as safely as possible, we undergo a thorough inspection from the food safety professionals at AIB International every two years.
During his Tuesday morning volunteer shift, Harley Snyder can usually be found breaking down boxes or sorting produce while he jokes around with his friends.
What a year and a half it’s been at Ozarks Food Harvest! The Food Bank officially started accepting and processing donations in the 56,000 square-foot warehouse expansion last July, and so much progress has been made in the fight against hunger since then.
Spread good cheer in the community by making a year-end gift to Ozarks Food Harvest. We’re incredibly thankful for the gifts we receive from our generous donors throughout the year, but with 2020 on the horizon, we ask you to consider making one final gift for your hungry neighbors before the year ends.
Thank you SO much to everyone who donated on #GivingTuesday!
The Good Samaritan food pantry and thrift stop in Lamar, MO has been serving Barton County since the early 1980s. Each week, the pantry distributes food and offers hope to families struggling with hunger.
Make this holiday season extra special by sending a note to families receiving food from our pantry partners. We’re grateful for you, and families in need are, too!