About Ozarks food harvest
Ozarks Food Harvest: Fighting Hunger in Southwest Missouri
Ozarks Food Harvest is a non-profit organization that has been serving the southwest Missouri region since 1983. The organization's mission is to alleviate hunger and provide food assistance to those in need. Ozarks Food Harvest works with over 200 pantries and programs, reaching out to more than 260,000 people across 28 counties.
The organization's vision is simple - a community where everyone has access to healthy food. Ozarks Food Harvest believes that no one should go hungry, and they work tirelessly towards this goal every day.
What Does Ozarks Food Harvest Do?
Ozarks Food Harvest collects donations of food from various sources such as grocery stores, farmers, manufacturers, and individuals. They then distribute this food through their network of partner agencies such as soup kitchens, shelters, churches, schools and other organizations that serve people in need.
In addition to providing emergency food assistance through their partner agencies' network, Ozarks Food Harvest also runs several programs aimed at addressing the root causes of hunger. These programs include:
1) The Weekend Backpack Program: This program provides nutritious meals for children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals during the week but may not have enough food over the weekend.
2) Senior Feeding Program: This program provides monthly boxes of nutritious foods for low-income seniors who are unable to access regular grocery stores or have difficulty preparing meals due to health issues.
3) Mobile Pantry Program: This program delivers fresh produce and other perishable items directly into underserved communities where there are no nearby grocery stores or pantries.
4) Cooking Matters Program: This program teaches families how to cook healthy meals on a budget by providing cooking classes led by professional chefs and nutritionists.
Why Is Ozarks Food Harvest Important?
Hunger is a significant problem in southwest Missouri; one out of six people struggles with hunger every day. Children are particularly vulnerable; one out of four children lives in poverty in this region. Hunger affects not only physical health but also mental health; it can lead to anxiety, depression and poor academic performance among children.
Ozark's Food harvest plays an essential role in fighting hunger by providing emergency assistance as well as long-term solutions through its various programs aimed at addressing the root causes of hunger such as poverty and lack of access to healthy foods.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways you can support Ozark's Food harvest:
1) Donate money - Every dollar donated helps provide four meals for someone struggling with hunger.
2) Donate time - Volunteer opportunities include sorting donated foods at their warehouse or helping with events.
3) Host a fundraiser - You can organize an event like a bake sale or run/walk event where proceeds go towards supporting OFH.
4) Donate food - You can donate non-perishable items like canned goods or fresh produce from your garden.
5) Advocate- Spread awareness about OFH’s mission on social media platforms like Facebook & Twitter
Conclusion
Ozark’s Foods harvest plays an essential role in fighting against hunger across southwest Missouri by providing emergency assistance along with long-term solutions through its various programs aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty & lack of access to healthy foods. With your help & support we can make sure everyone has access to nutritious meals!
ozarksfoodharvest.org
