The Food Bank braces for increased need heading into the coldest months
For over a year, many of our hardworking neighbors have endured high costs of food and basic necessities with little relief. Now as we enter the winter months, families facing hunger are at their breaking point during the most challenging time of year.
Winter brings many challenges that contribute to hunger. As temperatures drop, heating bills rise, causing families to make tough choices between groceries or keeping their homes warm. On top of that, the average cost per meal is the highest it’s been since the 2008 Recession after adjusting for inflation. People facing hunger now report needing $100 more per month to be food secure compared to last year.
For households with children, holidays and weather cancellations place strain on already stretched budgets. Families must budget for extra food when school meals aren’t available, and working parents have to choose between taking the day off to watch kids or paying for childcare.
Seasonal illnesses take their toll as well for working individuals, seniors and neighbors with underlying health conditions. One unexpected illness could mean extra doctor visits, prescriptions and unpaid days off work. Regardless of illness, workers in seasonal jobs such as agriculture and tourism see their incomes drop in the winter.
In all of these situations, our neighbors facing hunger need somewhere to turn to help fill the gap. Ozarks Food Harvest’s network of charities is committed to providing consistent, nutritious meals to fight hunger in southwest Missouri. But we need your help.
Donations to The Food Bank tend to slow down after the holidays, but hunger doesn’t stop after Christmas. Ozarks Food Harvest continues to serve a record 70,000 of our neighbors each month. You can help provide meals today by making a donation to Ozarks Food Harvest or signing up as a monthly donor.
Your gift will help neighbors like Michelle, whose family received groceries at one of The Food Bank’s partner pantries. She shared, “There’s just more expenses in the winter time. [The food pantry] bridges the gap. Otherwise, I’d be spending money [on groceries] that we need for rent and utilities, so instead we’re able to pay those bills and not have as much stress about it.”
To give now, visit ozarksfoodharvest.org/donate.