Ozarks Food Harvest: Fundraiser necessary in light of SNAP cuts

Ozarks Food Harvest is calling for support of its annual Check Out Hunger fundraising campaign, as federal benefit cuts place greater strain on the Springfield-based food bank.

OFH Development Director Denise Gibson pointed to Congress' Nov. 1 reduction of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which she said could burst the seams of the roughly 200 Feeding America food banks. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP was temporarily boosted by the 2009 Recovery Act, but those extended benefits ended this month.

“While the reductions may not seem like much, a family of four that qualifies for the maximum monthly benefit will lose $36 a month - which provides much more than you might think," Gibson said in a news release.

OFH serves roughly 170,000 individuals in the Ozarks through 200 partner agencies.

Last year, the organization's Check Out Hunger campaign raised $35,000, equal to 175,000 meals. The holiday campaign has collected $230,000 since it launched in 1998, the release said. The goal for this year's campaign is $40,000, Gibson said

For the 15th annual fundraiser this year scheduled Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 78 southwest Missouri grocery stores are participating, including Price Cutter stores and the Bistro Market downtown, Dillons, Harter House, Hy-Vee and Summer Fresh.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout.