$3K challenge grant offers chance to fight hunger together

Cassville Pantry is calling on the community to help “fill a food basket” in September in honor of National Hunger Action Month.

Fighting hunger in Barry County is not just a seasonal effort, but the heart of the Pantry’s year-round mission. During September, Cassville Pantry has set a goal of raising $10,000 to purchase food for local families who are struggling to put meals on the table.

Thanks to a generous Hunger Challenge grant from the Ozarks Food Harvest, every dollar raised up to $3,000 will be matched, doubling the impact of each gift. This means neighbors can turn one act of kindness into twice as much food for families facing hunger.

Cassville Pantry is inviting the community to join hands to transform generosity into hope for struggling families. A $50 donation will purchase five days of food for a needy family. A raffle prize is being offered as a bonus incentive to September Hunger Action donors.

An original barn quilt painting by local artist, Darci Englin is being raffled. The unique original painting features a spiraling star quilt pattern composed of 120 spiraling diamond shapes in multiple colors on a 24-inch round wood framework suitable for interior or exterior display.

For every $50 donated, one entry will be placed in the raffle pool.

A Garage Sale event will also be held in the pantry warehouse space at 800 W. 10th St. on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of household goods will be available allowing shoppers to convert second hand treasures into food for families. An additional fundraising match opportunity will double the impact and value of the proceeds of the Garage Sale.

Serving 625 families and 1,650 individuals each month, Cassville Pantry is witnessing an unprecedented rise in need. In recent months, one in five people arriving at the Pantry had never before needed food assistance, revealing how many are being squeezed by high grocery and living costs.

More than 6,000 people across Barry County including one in five children are facing food insecurity. The Pantry is asking the community to step forward in this critical moment, ensuring that the shelves stay stocked and no neighbor is left without a meal.

Individuals wishing to contribute to Cassville Pantry can securely donate online at https://www.cassvillepantry. com, in person, or by mail to Cassville Pantry 800 W. 10th St. Cassville, MO 65625.

For more information, people may contact Pantry Director Janet Mills at 417-846-7871.