Ozarks Food Harvest has kicked off its Summer Harvest campaign with a mission to raise awareness and provide 45,000 meals for kids in southwest Missouri. With one in seven children in the Ozarks facing hunger, the campaign highlights the critical issue of increased child hunger during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. “Many kids go to bed hungry during summer break when school meals aren’t available,” says Bart Brown, president/CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. “We’re helping families bridge the food gap so kids can grow, learn, and play without worrying about their next meal.” The campaign runs through September 2nd, offering several ways for the community to get involved.
From May 25 to September 2, the Splash and Sizzle event offers $1 admission or free entry with a canned food item to all Springfield-Greene County Park Board outdoor pools between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. In June, the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will donate money to Ozarks Food Harvest when blood donors give their LifePoints. On June 22, the Taste of SoMo event allows participants to sample delicious offerings from southwest Missouri restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds going to Ozarks Food Harvest. These fun and impactful events make it easy for the community to support this vital cause.