Currently, one-third of the people served by Ozarks Food Harvest’s network of hunger-relief charities are 65 or older. Many of these seniors live on fixed incomes that limit their access to basic necessities like food.
In the last year, Renea has become one of The Food Bank’s most dedicated volunteers, showing up every week to sort donated food for distribution to our hunger-relief network. She started because her son, Nolan – Ozarks Food Harvest’s very own janitor – suggested Renea give her extra time at The Food Bank now that she’s retired.
Right here in southwest Missouri, there are thousands of seniors living on fixed incomes who can’t always access nutritious meals. Good nutrition is important at all stages of life, but it’s particularly impactful for adults over age 60. With inflation rising in recent years, Ozarks Food Harvest has taken a closer look at how we can help our elderly neighbors access the food they need to thrive.
Before the COVID-19 crisis, Mike believed people only cared about you if they wanted something from you. Even when he was short on food and needed help, he wouldn’t ask for it. But during the pandemic, Mike was moved to help his community. He heard about Crosslines and decided to drop off a donation – a decision that led him to comradery, and of course food, that helped him thrive.