Ozarks Food Harvest prepping for backpack program, seeking volunteers

Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, July 27th 2025 at 20:47 GMT by KY3
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Ozarks Food Harvest is searching for volunteers to help with a school program returning soon.

Ozarks Food Harvest Gears Up for Back-to-School Backpack Program to Combat Child Hunger

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — As the summer days wind down and the back-to-school season approaches, Ozarks Food Harvest is ramping up efforts to ensure that no child in the region goes hungry over the weekends. The nonprofit organization, a cornerstone of food assistance in southwest Missouri, is in the final stages of preparing its Weekend Backpack Program, a vital initiative designed to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren who rely on school lunches during the week but face food insecurity at home.

The program, which has been a lifeline for thousands of families since its inception over a decade ago, involves distributing easy-to-prepare food packs that children can take home on Fridays. These backpacks are filled with items like granola bars, canned soups, fruit cups, peanut butter, and other non-perishable goods that require minimal preparation. According to program coordinators, the goal is to bridge the gap between Friday's school lunch and Monday's breakfast, addressing a critical period when many low-income families struggle to provide adequate nutrition.

This year, the preparations are more intensive than ever, with Ozarks Food Harvest anticipating a surge in demand due to ongoing economic challenges in the region. Inflation, rising grocery costs, and lingering effects of the pandemic have exacerbated food insecurity, particularly in rural areas of the Ozarks where access to fresh food is limited. "We're seeing families who were once stable now turning to us for help," said Bart Brown, CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. "The backpack program isn't just about food; it's about giving kids the stability they need to focus on learning rather than hunger."

Volunteers and staff at the organization's expansive warehouse in Springfield have been working tirelessly to assemble the packs. The process begins with sourcing donations from local businesses, farms, and community drives. Major partners include grocery chains like Walmart and Hy-Vee, which contribute bulk items, as well as agricultural producers who donate fresh produce when possible. For the backpack program specifically, the emphasis is on shelf-stable foods that are kid-friendly and nutritious. Each pack is carefully curated to meet dietary guidelines, ensuring a balance of proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

One of the key aspects of the preparation involves collaboration with local school districts. Ozarks Food Harvest works closely with over 100 schools across 28 counties in southwest Missouri to identify students in need. School counselors and teachers play a crucial role in discreetly enrolling children into the program, maintaining privacy to avoid any stigma. "We don't want kids to feel singled out," explained program director Sarah Jenkins. "The backpacks are distributed quietly, often placed in lockers or handed out at the end of the day, so it's seamless and supportive."

The impact of the program is profound. Last school year, Ozarks Food Harvest distributed more than 150,000 backpacks, reaching approximately 3,000 children weekly. Studies from similar programs nationwide show that providing weekend meals can improve attendance rates, academic performance, and overall well-being. In the Ozarks, anecdotal evidence from educators supports this: teachers report fewer behavioral issues and higher engagement from students who participate. One Springfield elementary school principal shared, "We've seen kids who were lethargic on Mondays suddenly become more alert and participatory. It's heartbreaking to think what they might have gone without."

To meet the growing needs, Ozarks Food Harvest is launching a community-wide call for support. Donations of food items, monetary contributions, and volunteer hours are all essential. The organization hosts packing events where groups from churches, businesses, and civic organizations can come together to assemble the backpacks. "It's a hands-on way for the community to get involved," Brown noted. "Even a small donation can make a big difference—one backpack costs about $5 to fill, but it provides meals for an entire weekend."

Looking ahead, the nonprofit is expanding the program to include more nutritional education components. This fall, they're piloting workshops for parents on budget-friendly meal planning and healthy eating habits. Additionally, partnerships with local health clinics will offer resources on childhood nutrition, aiming to address long-term food security rather than just immediate needs. "Hunger is a symptom of larger issues like poverty and access," Jenkins said. "We're committed to holistic solutions."

The backpack program's success stories are numerous and inspiring. Take, for instance, the case of a single mother in Branson who enrolled her two children last year. "Weekends were the hardest," she recounted anonymously. "I'd stretch what little we had, but it wasn't enough. The backpacks gave us breathing room—my kids could eat without me skipping meals." Such testimonials underscore the program's role in not just feeding bodies but also nurturing hope.

As the new school year begins in late August, Ozarks Food Harvest aims to have thousands of backpacks ready for distribution. The warehouse buzzes with activity: conveyor belts hum as boxes of cereal and juice packs are sorted, volunteers label bags with encouraging notes, and trucks are loaded for delivery to partner schools. The effort requires coordination across multiple teams, from logistics to outreach, ensuring that every child identified receives consistent support throughout the year.

However, challenges remain. Funding is always a concern, with the program relying heavily on grants from organizations like Feeding America and local foundations. Unpredictable weather in the Ozarks can disrupt supply chains, and the rising cost of transportation adds to operational expenses. Despite these hurdles, the team's dedication shines through. "We adapt and overcome," Brown emphasized. "Our community has always stepped up, and we're confident they will again."

For those interested in contributing, Ozarks Food Harvest offers multiple avenues. Online donations can be made through their website, and food drives are encouraged at workplaces and schools. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful, with shifts available for packing, sorting, and even driving deliveries. "Every hand helps," Jenkins added. "Together, we can ensure no child in the Ozarks goes to bed hungry."

In a region known for its natural beauty and tight-knit communities, initiatives like the Weekend Backpack Program highlight the spirit of generosity that defines the Ozarks. As families prepare for the school bell to ring, Ozarks Food Harvest stands ready to support the most vulnerable, one backpack at a time. This program not only addresses immediate hunger but also invests in the future of the community's children, fostering a healthier, more equitable society.

The preparations also involve innovative approaches to sustainability. For example, the organization is exploring eco-friendly packaging options to reduce waste, partnering with local recyclers to minimize the environmental footprint of the program. This aligns with broader goals of responsible stewardship, ensuring that helping people doesn't come at the expense of the planet.

Moreover, educational outreach extends beyond the backpacks. Ozarks Food Harvest collaborates with nutritionists to include informational flyers in each pack, teaching kids about balanced diets in a fun, engaging way. Games and puzzles related to healthy eating are sometimes added, turning mealtime into a learning opportunity.

Community events play a big role in building awareness. Annual fundraisers, like the "Pack the Pantry" gala, bring together donors and beneficiaries for an evening of stories and support. These events not only raise funds but also foster connections, reminding everyone of the human faces behind the statistics.

As the program evolves, data collection is key. Ozarks Food Harvest tracks participation rates and feedback from schools to refine their approach. Surveys from last year indicated high satisfaction, with 95% of participating families reporting improved food security. This data drives continuous improvement, ensuring the program remains effective and responsive.

In essence, the Weekend Backpack Program is more than a distribution effort—it's a comprehensive strategy to combat child hunger in the Ozarks. By preparing now, Ozarks Food Harvest is setting the stage for a school year where every child has the fuel they need to succeed. The organization's work exemplifies how targeted, community-driven initiatives can make a lasting difference in the fight against food insecurity.

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