A food drive in Southwest Missouri is aimed at making sure even those who can’t afford to buy healthy food can get it.
This is the sixth year for CoxHealth’s Pack the Pantry healthy food drive, and the health system is asking for the community’s help.
Glenda Miller, CoxHealth’s collaborative care coordinator and food drive organizer, says they want to “support those who need some extra help obtaining the food necessary for a heart-healthy diet.”
Suggested donations include no sugar added applesauce, 100 percent fruit cups, low-sodium or no salt added vegetables, reduced sodium spaghetti sauce, brown rice, whole wheat noodles, canned chicken and dried beans.
The food drive continues through December 15 with bins in Springfield at Cox South near the north entrance, West Pavilion entrance and West Tower entrance; at the Meyer Center; Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital and inside the south entrance of the CoxHealth Surgery Center.
Donations in Springfield will go to Crosslines, a local food pantry that serves an average of 3,600 people in the Ozarks every month.
Branson’s food donations will be sent to pantries operated by Christian Action Ministries, and Monett’s will go to Monett Community Kitchen. Food collected in area clinics will benefit a variety of local charities, according to CoxHealth.
