Ozarks Food Harvest

They say they are preparing to purchase additional food to address an anticipated increase in need should SNAP benefits not go out in November.

The Missouri Department of Social Services informed the public Monday that they will be unable to issue SNAP benefits in November. Local food bank Ozarks Food Harvest says they anticipate an additional need. They've already been working to feed federal workers.

The food giveaways are Saturday and next Thursday, and sign up is required.

The event to benefit Ozarks Food Harvest's Weekend Backpack Program, is Thursday, October 2.

Ozarks Food Harvest addresses hunger across the region. Some of the thousands of pounds of food they share are grown on their own plot of land. Thanks to a $200,000 grant and recent improvements they are growing and sharing more food than ever.

Plant it Forward, an annual event by Ozarks Food Harvest and Crosslines Community Connections, was held Wednesday.

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday, May 10, and letter carriers will pick up nonperishable food for area agencies to hand out.

A large donation of eggs to a Springfield-based food bank will be distributed by local food pantries.

OFH said it will lose an estimated $3 million worth of food this year.

The event, from 3 to 7 at Panera on S. Campbell, benefits Ozarks Food Harvest's Weekend Backpack Program.