By Brennon Gurley | bgurley@kolr10.com
Copyright 2016 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
OZARK, Mo. -- A local food pantry says a huge increase in one of its annual food drives still isn't enough in this economy. Especially this time of year when the food pantry sees an increase in demand.
Least of These raised more than 84,000 pounds of food thanks to the 10th annual food drive competition put on by Ozark and Nixa schools. But pantry organizers say it won't last long.
"It's a lot of food when we think of of how many thousands of pounds of food it is, but you think of it lasting six weeks, it's really not that much food," said Kristy Carter, the director of development at Least of These.
Carter says more people are opening their hearts, but it's still not enough, because the number of walk-in's has also increased.
"Our increase in people coming in obviously has an increase of food going out."
As the holidays roll in, Carter says the problem with Christian County and hunger becomes more visible. And this year, the need is even greater.
"Our numbers are showing it. We are seeing 2,200 people every month who need our services.
Michelle Hampton is a Least of These client and tells KOLR10, "Without Least of These there's no way we could make it through the month."
Hampton has been a client for more than a year and needs least of these to provide for her two kids.
"The food runs short and even though we get food stamps. It's just not enough to cover the monthly whatever it requires to feed us.
"We only give them about five days worth of food. So we are simply a supplemental food source for them," explains Carter.
Hampton says she is thankful for the opportunities this has provided for her.
"I try to look at the positive side because you just can't look at the negative. You have to look at the positive and the blessings," said Hampton.
Carter says Least of These will will distribute more than 500,000 pounds of food this year.
If you would like to make a donation they are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
For more information on how you can help--
Copyright 2016 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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