News

We’re two months into a brand new year, and I can’t help but to reflect on how so many donors generously supported struggling families this holiday season.

Many individuals chose to support Ozarks Food Harvest with a Giving Tuesday donation. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, donors supported Ozarks Food Harvest by submitting gifts through our website, on Facebook and in person, and Mercy Hospital Springfield generously matched donations up to $2,500. The one-day fundraiser raised $20,100 for hunger relief.

Local businesses also stepped up during the holidays. Five Pound Apparel and Neighbor’s Mill both held fundraisers, asking customers to add a donation to Ozarks Food Harvest to their bill. These fundraisers generated nearly 6,500 meals, and we’re grateful for how these local businesses continue to collaborate and fight
hunger in southwest Missouri.

Shoppers at area grocery stores helped provide meals by adding a donation to their bill at the register during this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign. Seventy-two grocery stores throughout our 28-county service area
participated. We’re incredibly grateful for the local grocers that continue to partner with us for this campaign year after year.

All of our events, partnerships and fundraisers throughout the year allow us to provide meals for people like Erica, a single mom in Greene County who receives assistance from Crimson House.

“With rent, utilities and other bills, there’s not much left for groceries. With this food, I can make meals without stressing about it. This is helping me go from living in poverty to self-supporting.”

Giving back is top of mind for many during the holiday season, but as a busy new year begins, it’s easy to forget that families in the community are still struggling.

Having enough money to purchase groceries becomes especially difficult during the winter months. Utility bills skyrocket as the temperature drops, and hardworking parents must make a tough choice: Do I keep the heat on, or do I get groceries for the week? A staggering 67 percent of families we serve must make this decision.

Today, I’m asking you to take a moment to think about what small sacrifices you might make so that these families can get the food they need. Forgo your daily coffee for a week and donate the money you saved to The Food Bank, or purchase a few extra canned goods at the grocery store to donate. Small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

I hope that 2019 is off to a great start for you and your family. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to all that is to come for The Food Bank and the community this year.