Feeding Hungry Hearts: Ozarks Food Harvest's Summer Harvest Campaign Tackles Child Hunger

In a heartwarming initiative, Ozarks Food Harvest, a leading food bank in southwest Missouri, has launched its Summer Harvest campaign, presented by Pinegar Honda. This campaign aims to raise awareness and provide much-needed support to combat child hunger during the summer months when school meals are not available.

Nourishing Young Minds and Bodies

Bridging the Summer Food Gap

Ozarks Food Harvest's Summer Harvest campaign recognizes the critical role that school meals play in ensuring children's access to nutritious food. During the academic year, two out of three children served by the food bank receive free or reduced-price school meals. However, when school is out for the summer, these children often lose access to these vital sources of sustenance. The Summer Harvest campaign steps in to fill this gap, ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry during the summer break."Many kids go to bed hungry during summer break when school meals aren't available," said Bart Brown, president and CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. "We're helping families bridge the food gap with our Summer Harvest campaign so kids can grow, learn and play without worrying about their next meal."

Expanding Access to Nutritious Meals

The Summer Harvest campaign runs from May 25 to September 2, providing numerous opportunities for the community to get involved and support the cause. One of the key initiatives is the Splash and Sizzle program, which offers discounted or free admission to Springfield-Greene County Park Board outdoor pools when visitors donate a canned food item. This not only encourages physical activity and recreation but also helps to stock the shelves of the food bank.In addition, the campaign partners with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) during the month of June, allowing blood donors to donate their LifePoints to Ozarks Food Harvest. CBCO will then make a monetary contribution to the food bank, further bolstering its efforts to provide nutritious meals to children in need.

Engaging the Community

The Summer Harvest campaign also features community-driven events that bring people together while supporting the cause. The Taste of SoMo event, organized by the Downtown Springfield Association on June 22, allows participants to sample delectable dishes from southwest Missouri restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to Ozarks Food Harvest.Another exciting event is the Lucas Oil Speedway Food Drive on June 22, where donors will receive a free ticket to the races in Wheatland for every four non-perishable food items they contribute. This not only encourages donations but also provides an opportunity for families to enjoy a thrilling motorsports event.The campaign also includes Bingo nights at 4 by 4 Brewing Company's Galloway and Fremont Hills locations on August 1 and August 8, respectively. Participants can purchase specially selected beers, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ozarks Food Harvest.

Volunteering for a Cause

Beyond these events, the Summer Harvest campaign also encourages community members to get involved by volunteering with Ozarks Food Harvest. The food bank's website, ozarksfoodharvest.org/how-to-help/volunteer, provides information on various volunteer opportunities, allowing individuals to contribute their time and efforts to the fight against child hunger.

Ongoing Initiatives and Impact

In addition to the Summer Harvest campaign, Ozarks Food Harvest has a year-round commitment to addressing hunger in the region. The organization's Summer Food program provides 32,000 meals annually to children who lose access to free or reduced-price school meals during the summer months. Furthermore, Ozarks Food Harvest works with 270 hunger-relief charities to serve 70,000 people each month through its Mobile Food Pantry program.By launching the Summer Harvest campaign and leveraging its existing initiatives, Ozarks Food Harvest is making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in southwest Missouri. Through community engagement, partnerships, and a steadfast dedication to fighting hunger, the organization is ensuring that no child is left behind, even during the summer break.