This year, the Texas County Food Pantry is partnering with the Souper Bowl of Caring, a national movement of young people working to fight hunger and poverty around the time of the Super Bowl.
In the weeks leading up to or on Super Bowl Sunday, young people take up a collection (many use a soup pot), asking for $1 or one item of food for people in need. They give 100 percent of their donation directly to the local hunger-relief charity of their choice.
The Souper Bowl of Caring began 25 years ago with a simple prayer from a single youth group: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.”
Since that day, the movement has raised more than $100 million for local charities across the country and is transforming the time around Super Bowl weekend into one of the nation’s largest celebrations of giving.
Through this mission, young people learn what it’s like to make a positive difference as they collect food, raise money and volunteer to work in charities that provide shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry and compassion to people in need.
“This is a great chance for the youth to get involved in helping those in need in our community,” said Food Pantry director Bennie Cook.
To arrange to have donations picked up by a pantry representative, call 417-967-4484. Donations can also be dropped off at the pantry (on Highway 17 just east of Houston) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.