Each year in September, people around the United States work together to help end hunger.
According to Feeding America, it is estimated that 1-in-6 Americans face hunger. Ozarks Food Harvest estimates that 170,000 people in southwest Missouri struggle on a daily basis.
The Texas County Food Pantry is working with Ozarks Food Harvest, the area’s food bank, in helping spread the message about taking action against hunger.
“Hunger is a problem that several people across this county face every day,” Pantry Director Bennie Cook said. “The food pantry assists approximately 1,200 individuals a month with some type of food assistance.”
Here is a list of events the food pantry will be participating in during September:
•Sept. 4 – Food drive at the Houston chamber luncheon.
•Sept. 6 – Wear orange to show support for hunger relief.
•Sept. 7 – Cabool homecoming parade
•Sept. 12 – Ozarks Food Harvest delivers commodities to the Texas County Food Pantry. The food is distributed to clients in Houston, Plato, Summersville, Cabool and Licking.
•Sept. 14 – Houston homecoming parade
•Sept. 22 – The F.A.I.T.H Riders will have a food drive for the pantry and a motorcycle cruise-in show at Houston Walmart. The event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
•Sept. 29 – Houston Parents as Teachers Health Fair.
•Sept. 30 – The 20th annual Hunger Walk begins at 2 p.m. at Houston. All proceeds stay in Texas County. For more information, call 417-967-4484.
Persons who would to know more about Hunger Action Month, log onto the Ozarks Food Harvest website at http://ozarksfoodharvest.org/HAM12.html.
To learn more about the Texas County Food Pantry, contact Bennie Cook at 417-967-4484 or email tcfpdirector@centurytel.net. Persons can like pantry on facebook at www.facebook.com/TexasCountyFoodPantryInc and follow the pantry on Twitter at txfoodpantry.