In the heart of rural Missouri, a small nonprofit organization is making a big impact on the lives of families struggling with food insecurity. The Community Outreach of Gerald, Missouri, has been a beacon of hope for residents in the surrounding towns of Leslie, Beaufort, and Rosebud for over two decades, providing essential resources and support to those in need.

Empowering Communities, One Meal at a Time

Combating Food Deserts in the Heartland

The Community Outreach of Gerald, Missouri, is a shining example of how a grassroots organization can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Located in one of Missouri's food deserts, the nonprofit has been a lifeline for the community, providing free food to hundreds of families each week. Despite dwindling donations and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization's dedicated volunteers, led by director Michelle Glosser, have remained steadfast in their mission to ensure no one goes hungry.The small town of Gerald, with a population of around 1,300, has been the home of this vital nonprofit for two decades. But the organization's reach extends far beyond the town's borders, providing support to the surrounding communities of Leslie, Beaufort, and Rosebud as well. "The need is ever increasing," Glosser explains, noting that the organization has seen a dramatic rise in the number of families it serves, from 25-30 per week pre-COVID to around 75 per week currently.

Adapting to Changing Needs and Dwindling Resources

The Community Outreach has had to navigate a complex landscape of evolving needs and diminishing resources. As financial hardship has caused a decline in monetary donations, the organization has had to get creative in its approach. Practical solutions, such as limiting the purchase of dairy products and focusing on more affordable protein sources like chicken, have helped the nonprofit stay afloat."We can't afford to get 50 gallons of milk every week," Glosser acknowledges, highlighting the tough decisions the organization has had to make to ensure it can continue to serve the community. Despite these challenges, the Community Outreach remains steadfast in its commitment to providing nutritious food to those in need, even if it means leaving behind bags of apples and potatoes for those who may drive by and be in want.

A Community-Driven Approach to Hunger Relief

The Community Outreach's impact extends far beyond the distribution of food. The organization also provides breakfast and lunch to children in Gerald on weekends, ensuring that no child goes hungry. During the holiday season, the nonprofit also ensures that older adults and children in the community receive gifts, bringing joy and a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise be overlooked.The organization's work is deeply rooted in the community it serves. Glosser, who was once a recipient of the nonprofit's assistance during her own battle with cancer, now dedicates 30 to 40 hours a week to volunteering. "After that I realized, my community really stepped up to help me and my family. My way of giving back was to start helping there," she explains.The Community Outreach's commitment to its community is evident in the stories of those it has helped. David Greenwalt Sr., a 66-year-old Leslie resident, was once the director of the nonprofit but has since found himself on the receiving end of its support. "I was really sick and I lost a lot of weight. Then I have to go to a nursing home for rehab and they helped me a lot before that with whatever we might need. I got to where I couldn't get out so Michelle would bring it to me," Greenwalt recounts.The nonprofit's approach is one of compassion and understanding, with no judgment or discrimination. "There is no judgment there. Everybody is treated the same. Any kind of help you need they go above and beyond for so it doesn't just meet your needs for food but it goes as far as to reach out to the community as family," shares an anonymous volunteer from Gerald.

A Lifeline for Small-Town America

The Community Outreach's impact on the local community is undeniable. Linda Weber, the manager of the First State Community Bank in Gerald, has witnessed firsthand the vital role the nonprofit plays in the lives of residents. "The food pantry means so much to this community. It's so beneficial and crucial and needed because times are getting tougher and people just need a helping hand sometimes. They need a little help and Michelle and her volunteers, they are amazing."The organization's Christmas fundraiser, where community members can pull names to donate gifts, has become a cherished tradition. Former resident Kenzie Dunning recalls the joy of receiving hundreds of dollars worth of formula for her twins through the Community Outreach's efforts.As the cost of living continues to rise and economic uncertainty looms, the need for organizations like the Community Outreach becomes increasingly crucial. "These little small towns, they need help. Well, big cities really need help. There's more people I get that, but the little communities need it too," Weber emphasizes.The Community Outreach's work is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions to address the complex issue of food insecurity. By providing not just food, but a sense of belonging and support, the nonprofit is making a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves, one meal at a time.