As the season winds down, hunger pangs may be up. With less money coming in, many families throughout Taney County rely on food pantries for meals. One of the food pantry organizations is Christian Action Ministries.
The food pantry has two locations; one is in Branson and the other is in Forsyth. The pantry provides about four days of food once a month to families in need.
With winter upon us, the nonprofit needs food and monetary donations to meet the demand as businesses slow, said Chairperson Larry Johnson.
“We’re always seeking canned goods,” Johnson said. “We’re seeking funding — we can take one of their dollars and stretch it to $10.”
Johnson shared one example where the nonprofit was able to purchase a pallet of Kraft Macaroni and cheese.
“We paid 17 cents a box versus 80 to 90 cents in the store,” Johnson said. “Our buying power is so much more.”
The number of those in need has been increasing, especially in the last three months, he said.
“I think everybody realizes our community is going to be shutting down after this weekend,” Johnson said. “Our need will be really, really huge,” including for those living in low-income housing, extended-stay motels and senior citizens.
As of Dec. 16, the pantry in Branson has served 413 households so far this month, and the pantry in Forsyth has served 276 households, according to a press release from Christian Action Ministries.
“This year so far, through its two pantry locations and mobile pantry that serves eastern Taney County, CAM has met the need for more than 17,000 households with a three-day supplemental food supply,” the press release stated. “In 2015, CAM ministered Christ’s love through food to 15,572 households.”
The CAM Food Pantry in Branson, at 610 S 6th St., Branson, is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The CAM My Neighbor’s Pantry in Forsyth, at 10726 State Highway 76, Ste. E, is open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
For more information, go to christianactionministries.org or call 417-334-1157.
