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    • Herschel Stehlik receives recognition
    • Tip-off royalty crowned at CHS
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    • CoxHealth changes starting wage, compensation model
    • General Municipal Absentee Voting Begins Tuesday, February 23, 2021
    • Purdy R-II purchases bus radio system
    • Walmart Pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines
    • Health department postpones vaccine clinics
    • Beck Farm recognized as Missouri Century Farm award
    • Applications being accepted for 2021 Century Farm
    • DHSS collaborates with area agencies to ensure vaccine access for seniors
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    • Blue Eye edges Southwest
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  • Sheila Harris Mother nature is playing no favorites across the nation this week, as unseasonably cold weather, snow and ice have affected, or are affecting, the majority of states. Millions in the U.S. are without power. In Barry County, both Barry Elec

Free summer meals found through texts, website

June 7, 2017
Charlea Estes

          For many students, summer can be the hungriest time of the year. In many economically depressed areas, including Barry County, the only reliable food children get is when they are in school. Once school lets out for the summer, families who cannot afford food have less of a buffer for children.
          Thanks to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, local schools provide free meals to children ages 18 and under during the summer. For many families struggling to put food on the table, this is a saving grace. In Barry County, area schools offer free meals for both breakfast and lunch during summer school. However, other locations, such as the Cassville and Monett YMCAs offer food for a longer stretch during the summer months. Outside of Barry County, other organizations are providing meals, as well.
          Two different organizations are making it easier for families in need to locate free food around the area. One is a texting option, and the other offers an online map that will show where children can get free meals throughout the summer.
          The text program is available through a non-profit called Share Our Strength. The program is specifically called No Kid Hungry, and the non-profit’s goal is to end child hunger. By texting ‘FOOD’ to 877-877 and then following the instructions to provide your zipcode, you’ll receive a text back with area free food programs in your area, their dates, days, times and a contact number for the site.
          Specific to just this state, Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services has an online map that parents can access to find free children’s food programs in their area.
          Dr. Randall Williams, the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said, “Summer can be a time of food insecurity for students who receive free and reduced lunches during the school year. This interactive map will help ensure Missouri’s children are getting critical nutrition all year long.”
          The website is www.dhss.mo.gov/sfsp/. The link to the map can be accessed from that page, and you can type in a city, county or zip code to have the map pop up. Pins appear on the map where food programs are and each has the information about that particular site, including dates available, times, organization and contact information of the organization.
          The Summer Food Service Program is an initiative available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
          While meals are designated to be for children ages 18 and below, individuals who are 18 to 21 and have been determined to be mentally or physically disabled and participate in an established school program can receive meals, as well.
          Income guidelines do not have to be met in order to qualify for the program. Any child 18 and under may receive a meal.
Barry County Advertiser
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  • Home
  • This Week's Issue
    • New 39th Circuit, county clerk appointments made
    • Cookbook sales benefit Backpack Program at Cassville R-IV
    • DeGraffenreid, Shelter Insurance Foundation Sponsor Scholarship
    • Health department taking names for vaccines
    • Letter to The Editor
    • Roark Family Health to host free COVID-19 testing clinics
    • Exeter High School celebrates homecoming
    • Freedom Bank helps bringweather stations to Cassville R-IV
    • Purdy Eagles improve to 13-4
    • Cox, Mercy collaborate to vaccinate
    • Area crashes result in moderate, minor injuries
    • Purdy High School crowns homecoming royalty
    • Hwy. 76 closed, 2/11, 12 - 4 p.m.
    • Herschel Stehlik receives recognition
    • Tip-off royalty crowned at CHS
    • CHS Class of '65 donates to museum
    • Going wins spelling bee for second consecutive year
    • Arning Restructures Board of Directors
    • Contest on ballot area school boards
    • Health department reports COVID-19 death
    • Local Shriners Honored
    • Five Wildcats on National Signing Day
    • Southwest's Sickles wins road race debut
    • Beloved Angels of Valentine's Day 2021
    • Stokes plays historic game at MSSU
    • Crowder cancels Tuesday classes
    • Liberty Utilities warns of blackouts
    • Barry Electric issues alert
    • Resident reminds of property tax credit for eligible seniors
    • Property rights: When private and public collide
    • Eunice Thomas Elementary to see change in leadership
    • Winter blankets the county
    • CoxHealth changes starting wage, compensation model
    • General Municipal Absentee Voting Begins Tuesday, February 23, 2021
    • Purdy R-II purchases bus radio system
    • Walmart Pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines
    • Health department postpones vaccine clinics
    • Beck Farm recognized as Missouri Century Farm award
    • Applications being accepted for 2021 Century Farm
    • DHSS collaborates with area agencies to ensure vaccine access for seniors
    • Basketball tournament brackets released
    • Blue Eye edges Southwest
    • Eunice Thomas January Students of The Month
    • Purdy January medalists announced
    • Southwest Elementary Students of The Month Named
    • Understanding County Aid Road Trust (CART) Funds
    • The Wildcat Takedown Club brings home awards
  • Classifieds
  • Obituaries
  • Advertising
    • Advertising Rates
    • Place Ad
  • Contact us
  • Archives
  • Subscription
  • Sheila Harris Mother nature is playing no favorites across the nation this week, as unseasonably cold weather, snow and ice have affected, or are affecting, the majority of states. Millions in the U.S. are without power. In Barry County, both Barry Elec