21 Oct SNAP: A Community Collaborative Effort

Dear Community Partners and Friends,

As you may have seen in recent news, the federal shutdown will result in no SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits being distributed for November. More than 10% of Missourians rely on SNAP to put food on the table — meaning many families, seniors, and individuals in our communities will soon face an immediate food crisis.

At Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC), we are working quickly to organize a community-wide food drive effort to make sure no one goes hungry during this time — but we can’t do it alone.

We are calling on local businesses, churches, civic groups, and volunteers across Southwest Missouri to join us in this urgent effort to support our neighbors.

How You Can Help

• Host a food collection of shelf-stable foods at your business, church, or organization.
• Encourage donations from your employees, customers, or congregation.
• Offer incentives like small discounts, giveaways, or recognition for those who donate.
• Spread the word by sharing OACAC’s posts and encouraging others to participate.

OACAC will provide:
✅ Food collection boxes delivered to you
✅ Flyers, graphics, and social media content for your use
✅ Recognition on our website, social media, and in our annual report

If your organization would like to participate or learn more, please contact Bridgette Allen at [email protected] or (417) 447-0554, x. 378.

We are already partnering with community-minded organizations such as the Discovery Center and we would love to add your name to the growing list of supporters making a difference.

Every can, every box, every contribution helps. Together, we can make sure that no one in Southwest Missouri goes without food this November.

Thank you for being part of this caring and resilient community.

With gratitude,

Your friends at OACAC