White River Valley Electric stocks thousands of pounds for local food pantries
One in every four children in Southwest Missouri faces food insecurity. Food insecurity negatively impacts cognitive development, school performance and has serious health consequences. In an effort to make a positive difference in the lives of our Ozarks neighbors, the employees at White River Valley Electric Cooperative rallied once again for the third annual Power to turn Hunger into Hope Food Drive. Employees traveled to various grocery stores across their five county service area, calling on shoppers to reach in their pockets to help their neighbors in need. They also donated through a voluntary payroll deduction.
“It’s a win, win situation,” said CEO Chris Hamon. “The communities we serve can improve if those who live in them are healthier.”
The food drive continues to alleviate some of the suffering in the area and have a positive impact on the physical and emotional health of families in these five counties; Taney, Stone, Christian, Douglas and Ozark. This year near 3,000 pounds of food was collected and financial donations reached $7,106.42. Pantry partners are able to buy ten dollars’ worth of food for every dollar given through the drive, stocking over $70,000 of food in area pantries. Participating pantries were Christian Action Ministries (Taney), Christian Associates (Stone), Ozark County Food Pantry (Ozark), Heart of the Hills Food Harvest (Douglas) and Least of These, Inc. (Christian).
WRVEC employees pictured from left to right: Joe Donavant, Velma Haefeker, Amber Carey, Lorri Johnson
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