Seventy-two area grocery stores partnered with Ozarks Food Harvest for the 20th annual Check Out Hunger, and set a new record by raising over 50-thousand dollars for from customer donations to provide more than 201,000 meals across the Ozarks.
Although the fundraiser wrapped up at the end of December, The Food Bank received checks from retailers throughout the first few months of 2019.
This is an ideal time for Ozarks Food Harvest to receive a financial boost, as charitable donations tend to drop after the holidays.
“Time and time again, these local grocers show up and help support hunger relief in the Ozarks,” said Denise Gibson, development and communication director at Ozarks Food Harvest.
“Their passion and excitement to help the community is truly inspiring, and we could not be more grateful for our local partners.”
Check Out Hunger gives shoppers the opportunity to add a $1, $3 or $5 tax-free donation to their grocery bill at the register of participating retailers during the holiday season.
In 2018, participating stores included Apple Market, Country Mart, Harter House, Hy-Vee, King Cash Saver, Murfin’s Market, Price Chopper, Price Cutter, Price Cutter Plus, Ramey, Rhodes Family Price Chopper, Ruby’s Market, Summer Fresh, Town & Country Supermarket and Woods Supermarket.
Since the fundraiser began in 1998, Check Out Hunger has helped provide more than 2.6 million meals in the Ozarks.
