Branson Globe to coordinate community-wide food drive

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Families with children often find it difficult to put food on the table, especially during the summer months. When school is out of session, there are fewer opportunities for school-aged children to obtain a balanced meal. Add to that the rapidly rising cost of groceries and other necessities, and it is easy to see that a large number of people –many in our own community – will face food insecurity this summer.

Food insecurity can be defined as limited or uncertain access to food. With the higher cost of living we all now face, the food budget is often the first to diminish, as a choice must be made between paying rent, maintaining utilities or purchasing groceries.

The staff of the Branson Globe has made a commitment to help those in our area battling food insecurity this summer by coordinating a community-wide Food Drive, Freedom From Hunger. The Branson Globe is encouraging our advertisers – along with all Stone and Taney County businesses, churches, groups and organizations – to each hold a food drive to benefit those in need in the Branson/Lakes area.

Freedom From Hunger is set for July 1-4. Each participating business will collect nonperishable food items as well as cash donations to be given to local food pantries. Donations collected in Taney County will be taken to Christian Action Ministries and donations from Stone County will be delivered to Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake to help those in need in their respective counties. While any nonperishable food item is welcomed, the two entities also value cash donations, as, with their buying power, they can stretch the financial donations to purchase even more needed items.

Those wishing to participate are asked to contact the Branson Globe at 417-334-9100, or KD Michaels, staff writer, at kdmichaelsbranson1@gmail.com to be added to our list of collection sites. Following the holiday weekend, donations can be taken to the food pantry in your county, or a representative from the Branson Globe will gladly pick up your donations and make the delivery on your behalf.

Businesses and organizations are also challenged to offer incentives for donations at their individual locations, such as providing donors with a token gift, a coupon, or discount off of a future visit.

More information on Freedom From Hunger, including a list of participants, can be found in next week’s issue of The Branson Globe. For questions on how to participate, please contact KD Michaels at kdmichaelsbranson1@ gmail.com.