Ozarks Food Harvest initiates hunger campaign

Springfield nonprofit Ozarks Food Harvest, with help from area grocers, next week will launch its 13th annual Check Out Hunger campaign.

During the Nov. 15-Dec. 31 campaign, shoppers will have the opportunity to add a $1 tax-free donation to their bill when checking out at local grocery stores such as Akin's, Bistro Market, Country Mart, Dillons, Harter House, Murfin's Market, Price Cutter, Ramey, Save-A-Lot, Smillie's, Smitty's, Summer Fresh and Woods Supermarket, according to a news release.

“On behalf of our local grocers, we are pleased to help Ozarks Food Harvest feed so many in need this holiday season,” said Bill Smillie, executive director of the Ozark Empire Grocers Association, in the release. “Our primary goal in our industry is to provide safe and quality food to the public, and we feel there’s no better organization to support than Ozarks Food Harvest.”

Roughly 180,000 people experience food insecurity in the 28 southwest Missouri counties served by Ozarks Food Harvest. The organization defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

Last year's Check Out Hunger program raised more than $27,000, roughly doubling its 2009 campaign. Since the holiday campaign's 1998 inception, the program has raised more than $172,000 in donations, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]