Leslie and Casey recently spoke with Jordan, Director of Communications at Ozarks Food Harvest, to learn more about the growing need for food assistance here in southwest Missouri, and how YOU can help.

About Ozarks Food Harvest:

Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank serving southwest Missouri. They partner with 270 hunger-relief organizations across 28 counties, reaching nearly 70,000 people each month and providing more than 21 million meals annually.

The recent government shutdown has left nearly 23,000 federal workers without a paycheck, and countless families are still waiting on SNAP benefits. Across 28 Ozarks counties, that means about 135,000 people could be facing food insecurity. Hunger often doesn’t look like what you think—it can affect hardworking families who just need a little extra support. That’s where our community can make a difference.

Jordan shared that there are several ways to help:

Monetary Donations – Every dollar helps provides 3 meals for families in need.

Non-Perishable Food Donations – Shelf-stable proteins like canned chicken and tuna, boxed meals, pasta, beans, soups, peanut butter, cereal, and canned fruits and vegetables are especially needed.

Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteers are critical for sorting large donations and helping at the Full Circle Garden in Rogersville, where fresh produce is grown for local food banks.

And the best way to help this season? Q92.9 presents ROCK OUT WITH YOUR CANS OUT!

ROCK OUT WITH YOUR CANS OUT – Benefit Concert for Ozarks Food Harvest

When: Friday, November 14th

Where: The Regency Live, Springfield

Admission: 1 ticket = 6 canned food items or $5 cash

Donation Perks:

Donate 10 canned food items = autographed band poster

Donate 25 canned food items = meet & greet with the bands

Donate 50+ canned food items = VIP access and extra swag

All funds and food collected go directly to Ozarks Food Harvest. Donations can also be dropped off at the Q92.9 studio (2453 E. Elm St., Springfield, MO) Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Most Needed Non-Perishable Items (No Glass Jars):

Tuna or other canned protein

Peanut butter

Boxed meals, rice & pasta

Beans, soups, or stews

Canned fruits and vegetables

Cereal

Your donation, your time, or your attendance at the concert makes a real impact on families across the Ozarks. Let’s come together, rock out, and help feed our community this November 14th!