News

The holidays are a time for sharing food and making memories, but for many families in the Ozarks, this time of year can be challenging. Previously, 1 in 7 people were facing hunger in southwest Missouri, but now that number has risen to 1 in 5 children and 1 in 6 adults. That means there’s a good chance you know someone that isn’t sure when they will be eating their next meal – much less a holiday meal.

We can ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food throughout the holidays, but we can’t do it without your help. The Food Bank is preparing for the season by purchasing special food items like turkeys, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, vegetables, pie filling and more so families can celebrate with a warm holiday meal. This year we need more than $230,000 to purchase holiday food, which includes $40,000 on turkeys alone.

Your support is crucial this year as increased food prices are hitting households hard. People facing hunger now report needing $100 more per month to be food secure. The need is reflected in the number of people seeking help from our network – which is now 70,000 people per month – as well as our neighbor’s stories.

Many neighbors like Elaine are visiting local food pantries for the first time. She shared, “We’re on a fixed income and with the economy cannot afford to pay our regular monthly bills, buy groceries and gas. Everything has gotten so expensive. A friend told me she’d gone to the food pantry to get some help. I’d never been to a food pantry and was embarrassed about going, but the people there were nice and the food I received was enough to help me get through until the next week when I got my check.”

This year, holiday meals aren’t a guarantee for many families facing hunger like Elaine’s. That’s why we need your help to make the season bright.

Here’s how you can help:
$19 will provide a turkey for a family in need.
$38 provides a holiday meal.
$76 provides a turkey and all the trimmings for two families.
$152 provides multiple meals to our neighbors facing hunger this season.

If you’re ready to make a gift, visit ozarksfoodharvest.org/donate. Your kindness today is a gift of hope for families this holiday season. Thank you helping us lift up our community.