A NOTE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT & CEO

It’s been another unpredictable year for all of us with supply chain issues, rising inflation and high food costs. The lingering effects of COVID-19 created a complex crisis for The Food Bank as we experienced an increased demand for food assistance, decline in food donations and disruptions in hunger-relief efforts. Many neighbors received food assistance for the first time, and families already facing hunger became more vulnerable as inflation continued to rise.

As southwest Missouri’s only food bank, we saw how high the stakes were for many of our neighbors, which is why we worked to ensure everyone had access to food. But we did not do this alone. It is the strength and capability of our network – and compassionate supporters like you – that helped us provide so many children, families and seniors with nourishment last year.

Every single gift to Ozarks Food Harvest makes a difference in the life of someone facing hunger. Your donations help Jennifer, who receives food from our Senior Mobile Produce Pantry. She said, “Ozarks Food Harvest helps us elderly people who’ve worked hard our entire lives but now need assistance. It’s a blessing and I hope everybody appreciates what you’re doing.”

Your kindness and sustained generosity helped Ozarks Food Harvest and our network of 270 community and faith-based partners provide 20 million meals to our neighbors in need last year.

We know the year ahead holds several challenges. Many families still need help getting back on their feet, and we are ready to provide the support they need. More importantly, we are ready to provide hope.

Thank you for supporting our mission to end hunger and your compassion for our neighbors in need. It is because of your trust and generosity that we continue to Transform Hunger into Hope.

With gratitude,

Kenny Ross Board President

Bart Brown President/CEO

Ozarks Food Harvest Board of Directors

Officers

Kenny Ross, Board President

Ross Construction Group

Meera Scarrow, President Elect

Mercy Hospital-Springfield

Tommy Wohlgemuth, Treasurer

SGC™ Foodservice

Ashley Casad, Secretary

CoxHealth

Directors

Jim Admire

Kraft Heinz

Dana Ausburn

Commerce Bank

Clayton Brown

Prime, Inc.

Genevieve Carvel

Positronic Industries, Inc.

Tamara Conn

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Jason England

Arvest Bank

Holly Gray

Heim, Young & Associates

Mike Pinkston

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

Krystal Russell

Spectrum Accounting and Payroll Vault