WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The next prequalification for the Ozarks Food Harvest Mobile Food Pantry will be from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at the West Plains Public Library Community Room, 750 W. Broadway.
August’s mobile food pantry is being sponsored through the generosity of several local churches, civic organizations and individuals.
Those eligible to apply for this assistance include area families with children ages birth through 18 who live within Howell County. This includes the communities of West Plains, Willow Springs and Mountain View. Previously, the criteria only included families who lived within the boundaries of the West Plains R-7 School District or surrounding rural school districts.
Students enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains and the South Central Career Center also are eligible, organizers said, provided they meet income guidelines. Missouri State students must present their student identification cards in person and may not send them with a family member. Families may receive only one voucher per family.
Those who apply should bring the following documentation to the prequalification: A photo ID, proof of income, proof of Howell County residency, names and ages of children, and a telephone number. Proof of Howell County residency does not apply to Missouri State-West Plains or South Central Career Center students, organizers said.
Volunteers will verify documentation of those seeking assistance at the prequalification and give vouchers for the date of the truck delivery. Only people receiving vouchers will receive food from the truck during the August delivery, organizers stressed, adding vouchers must be received every month for truck delivery.
The Ozarks Food Harvest Mobile Food Pantry provides food and grocery products for up to 250 qualifying families each month. The first delivery arrived April 13, 2010. The next prequalification date is Sept. 7, 2011.
Organizers said it is hoped community agencies and groups will sponsor successive months for $1,000 per month. Currently, the following community organizations, businesses and individuals have committed to sponsorships: Colton Johnson, Victory Family Worship Center, Grace Community Church, Burton Creek Medical Clinic, Christos House, Sunrise Rotary, Noon Rotary, First Church of God, Kiwanis Club and First Christian Church. The Lelia Heuer Foundation of Springfield sponsored the first six months of the food distribution.
The mobile pantry is designed not to duplicate, but instead supplement services already being provided by area food banks, organizers said, adding volunteers are needed for prequalification dates, as well as distribution dates.
For more information about the Ozarks Food Harvest Mobile Food Pantry project, or if you are interested in volunteering or donating, go to http://wp.missouristate.edu/Development/ozarkfoodharvest.htm or contact Jan Rickert at the American Red Cross, 417-257-0018.