Protein-rich food is one of the most requested items from Ozarks Food Harvest’s member pantries.
That’s why Ozarks Food Harvest is excited to partner with two generous egg donors this spring, Opal Foods and Vital Farms.
Nearly 60 area grocery stores partnered with Ozarks Food Harvest for Check Out Hunger 2016, raising $45,482 to provide nearly 182,000 meals to people in need across southwest Missouri.
Ozarks Food Harvest is partnering with Panera Bread for Empty Bowls 2017. The annual event, set for Sept. 29, raises awareness of hunger in southwest Missouri.
For a donation to OFH, event-goers receive soup, a baguette and art to take home. The creations, ranging from pottery to carved wood, are meant to serve as a reminder of the thousands of “empty bowls” found on dinner tables across the Ozarks each night.
This summer will mark eight years since moving into our distribution facility, the O’Reilly Center for Hunger Relief. The move was the result of a four-year capital campaign that was only possible because of the generosity of so many, including you, our supporter and friend.
Although it doesn’t seem that long ago, it’s incredible to think about the growth we have been able to achieve because of the space afforded to us in our current building. In summer 2009, we had just ended a fiscal year where we distributed nearly seven million pounds of food. This year we’re on track to provide more than 17 million pounds of food.
Greetings from the O’Reilly Center for Hunger Relief!
Along with my friends at Ozarks Food Harvest, I want to share how pleased I am to be a part of the Ending Hunger, Building Hope capital campaign. This is an opportunity for important growth to meet the needs of the men, women and children in southwest Missouri who struggle with the harsh reality of hunger.
More than 10 years ago I became involved with the original capital campaign to build Ozarks Food Harvest’s current facility. My family and I realized the great need for a larger food bank with more space to accept and process donations and better equipment to serve the need. With this in mind, my family made a gift to support that critical campaign.
Here at Ozarks Food Harvest, we rely on monthly supporters to help us provide over 15 million meals each year to our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.
This is why we created Harvest Circle, a special community of our dedicated donors who make monthly gifts to provide a steady stream of funds for The Food Bank.
Becoming a member of Harvest Circle is beneficial for donors and The Food Bank. One reason is for the sake of effectiveness. Your monthly commitment helps us plan ahead, budget efficiently and respond to needs.
It takes all of us to tackle the issue of hunger in our community. This is why we are asking our supporters to pledge to help us provide food for 261,300 people this year.
Happy Holidays from the O’Reilly Center for Hunger Relief!
It’s hard to believe another year is almost over. As we reflect on what we’re grateful for throughout this holiday season, I hope that you and your family are blessed with a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food on your plate and the love of family and friends.
For years, Michelle and her two kids lived on just $280 a month.
“There were a lot of times when we didn’t have a whole lot and were just trying to get by,” she said.
Even after qualifying for SNAP, or food stamps, the family still struggled to have enough every month for food. A single mom, Michelle isn’t able to work due to a disability.
As part of an annual Thanksgiving tradition, local racers come together to collect food for Ozarks Food Harvest and participate in Turkey Trot, the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri.