September is Hunger Action Month at Pantry

Cassville Pantry is asking Barry County to be the difference and take action against hunger. 

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when communities across the country come together to raise awareness about hunger. 

“It is important to pay attention to the need that exists in our own local neighborhoods and to take action to make sure everyone has access to the food they need,” said Janet Mills, Pantry director. 

For many local families, putting healthy food on the table has become increasingly difficult. Across Southwest Missouri, food prices have risen approximately 20% over the past five years. At the same time, rising costs for gas, utilities, housing and other everyday necessities are putting additional pressure on household budgets. 

“For our neighbors who are already living on limited incomes, the numbers simply don’t stretch as far as they once did,” Mills said. “Many local workers face additional income challenges because jobs in our rural area may offer lower wages than in larger towns. It is common that the employment available is limited to part-time hours rather than the stability of full-time jobs. For families already trying to make every dollar count, an unexpected expense can mean there isn’t enough left over to pay for groceries.” 

These situations are where Cassville Pantry steps in. Cassville Pantry is a lifeline for approximately 1,500 people every month, providing food assistance to about 550 families throughout Barry County. Children, working families, seniors and individuals facing difficult circumstances turn to the Pantry when their grocery budget falls short.

“The need is about more than simply having something to eat,” Mills said. “Food insecurity is closely connected to physical and mental health. Children who experience long-term food insecurity can face difficulties with learning, academic performance and productivity. When household budgets are tight, families may also be forced to choose less expensive, less nutritious convenience foods that are often higher in processed ingredients, fat and sugar. 

“Over time, inadequate nutrition can contribute to negative health outcomes, including increased risks for diabetes, oral health problems and obesity.”

Access to healthy food is not just a family issue, Mills said, it is a community issue. 

“Cassville Pantry works to give our neighbors access to the healthy food choices they may not otherwise be able to afford,” Mills said. “Through its outreach, families can receive nutritious food while freeing up limited household dollars for other necessities. The Pantry is also able to make every donated dollar go farther. By purchasing food in bulk and at wholesale prices, Cassville Pantry can stretch its buying power far beyond what an individual shopper could typically purchase at a local grocery store.”

A $50 donation can provide a family with enough food for approximately five days of meals. Each food box distributed by Cassville Pantry has an average retail value of approximately $80 to $90, demonstrating how far community support can go when combined with the Pantry’s purchasing power.

To help Cassville Pantry reach their $15,000 September Hunger Action Month fundraising goal, the Pantry needs local support. The Pantry has also been offered a bonus $3,000 matching gift. 

“Once the community raises $3,000, the matching funds will be added to the campaign, providing an even greater boost toward the Pantry’s September goal,” Mills said. “Every donation helps put nutritious food on the table for a local family, senior, or child who needs a little extra help making ends meet.” 

Donations can be made in person at: Cassville Pantry, 800 W. 10th Street Cassville, MO 65625. Donations may also be made by USPS mail, or online at www.cassvillepantry.com. People may call 417-846-7871 for more information.

“Together, we can make sure the hungry are not forgotten,” Mills said.