(GAINESVILLE, Mo.) The Ozark County Food Pantry (OCFP) is celebrating a recent boost in support that is already making a difference for its hardworking volunteers and the community members it serves.
Thanks to a $6,000 Urgent Need Grant awarded by Ozarks Food Harvest in Springfield, the pantry has been able to purchase a Crown 4500 electric pallet jack — a vital piece of equipment for an operation that moves thousands of pounds of food each month.
The new pallet jack is already making an impact, helping staff and volunteers safely and efficiently move large pallets of USDA commodities, donated goods, and recyclable materials throughout the facility.
“We are all excited to see this pallet jack in use,” pantry representatives said. “It makes it so much easier and safer for our volunteers to maneuver large loads here at the pantry. Thank you, Ozarks Food Harvest!”
The Ozark County Food Pantry provides critical food assistance to individuals and families in need, distributing food boxes during regular hours on the first Wednesday and third Friday of each month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The pantry also facilitates the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), known as the Senior Box Program.
New clients or those who haven’t visited in a while can sign up through the pantry’s drive-thru intake process. A valid, non-expired ID or driver’s license with a current Ozark County address is required. If the ID does not reflect a current address, a recent piece of mail showing residency will be accepted. The line begins on the gravel road near the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department.
This grant-funded improvement reflects the pantry’s ongoing commitment to safety, service, and efficiency, all made possible by the generosity of community partners and the dedication of local volunteers.
