2024 Evolution | Paid Advertising SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL 28 • 2024 EVOLUTION It’s no secret that the economy has changed, creating unfulfilled needs for families across the Ozarks. Groceries have seen a 50% increase this year! With the rise in gas, food and rent prices, it’s no wonder families who have been considered middle class their whole lives are now struggling to make ends meet. Those same families who used to donate to Least Of These Food Pantry now find themselves picking up food. Food changes everything. Nutritious meals help create a balance in our bodies, physically and mentally. When a family is in crisis and doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from, they aren’t thinking about healthy options. Least Of These can help. Asking for help in that situation is the smartest decision a person can make. “Families will feel safe at Least Of These and will be loved on while they are here,” said Kristy Carter, Executive Director of Least Of These. Least Of These is a choice food pantry. Families can pick and choose what they want. This eliminates waste and gives people a sense of dignity. While families are waiting in their car to pick up their food, they are filling out their food preferences for next month. In addition to food, Least Of These provides families several recipes that can be used to prepare the food they receive. Least Of These is deliberate about giving fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy items and shelf-stable staples. Family members often say, “You give really great stuff!” That’s not all Least Of These does. Providing food for people opens the door to help them with other needs. Least Of These connects families with resources to help them overcome challenges and encourage self-sustainability. “We are thankful for the food we receive from Least Of These. I wouldn’t be able to feed my kids or make sure my mother was getting nutritious meals without your help,” said a single mom who supports her two kids and aging mother. Least Of These is always working to be more intentional as they build relationships. As Least Of These works with the Christian County families they serve, they want relationships to be more relational than transactional. This allows individuals and families seeking assistance to discover the root of their struggles so Least Of These can partner with them to help move them from food insecure to self-sustainable. They won’t just give families a box of food and send them on their way. Every person who works at Least Of These, from staff to volunteers, is friendly, compassionate and caring. But Least Of These cannot do it alone. Just as the families are struggling, Least Of These is struggling to fill the gap between rising food prices and family needs. This not-for-profit organization is not funded by the government. They operate on donations from you, businesses and community members. Thanks to partnerships within the Ozarks, Least Of These can provide a cart full of food for $64. By serving 1,400 Christian County families each month, it costs $89,600 monthly to provide each family with a cart full of food. This enables Least Of These to stretch every donated dollar. Here’s the current breakdown of where those donations are coming from: • 1% Other • 4% Civic Organizations • 6% Grants • 6% Churches • 15% Businesses • 68% Individuals Least Of These is passionate about taking people from food insecure to food stability. Providing food, education and resources goes a long way. But Least Of These needs your help. They source menus three months in advance. When you become a Pantry Partner, your monthly gift will provide supplemental food to families and individuals who are struggling across the Ozarks. Least of These Address: 1720 W James River Rd, Ozark, MO 65721 Phone: 417-724-2500 Website: leastofthesefoodpantry.org Food Changes Everything “Families will feel safe at Least Of These and will be loved on while they are here,” — Kristy Carter, Executive Director of Least Of These Reach out to info@leastofthesefoodpantry.org or visit leastofthesefoodpantry.org to learn more 1720 James River Road, Ozark, MO 65721 · 417.724.2500 · leastofthesefoodpantry.org 2023 Community Impact 45,358 mouths fed · 15,494 families served 16,818 Children · 9,116 Seniors · 1,353 Veterans 2,193,540 pounds of food distributed 32,598 volunteer hours served “I can feed my family because of the generosity of Least Of These.” - Father of 2 Children Feeding People, Changing Lives
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