Dear Fellow Harrison and Boone County citizens,

Hunger Never Goes on Vacation

I hope this finds you well. I am writing to share an extraordinary opportunity to transform lives right here in Harrison and Boone County. At Ozark Share & Care, we believe that unlike a season or a holiday, hunger never goes on vacation. Every day, our neighbors face the harsh reality of food insecurity, and now more than ever, your support is needed.

Recent data paints a sobering picture for our region. In northwest Arkansas, about 19% of households are food insecure-well above the national average of 13.5%. Such statistics are not just numbers; they represent children, seniors, and families who are struggling daily to put food on the table. In our state, hunger has reached epidemic proportions, making it imperative we act now.

Since our founding in 1987, Ozark Share & Care has been a trusted pillar of this community. For nearly 40 years, we have provided emergency food assistance, clothing, and essential household items to over 750 households each month. Our Sharing Kitchen has evolved to serve seniors, low- and no-income families as well as the unhoused. The Sharing Kitchen is not simply a place where hot meals are served. It is a sanctuary where the community finds refuge, connection, and hope.

Our vision now is to expand this vital service with a new, fully accessible Share & Care Kitchen that will serve up to 200 nutritious meals a day, six days a week. Estimated renovation costs are expected to reach $200,000 and with your generosity, we can build a Health Department and ADA-compliant facility that is as much a community center as it is a kitchen- a place where no one must face hunger or loneliness.

Donations may be sent to Ozark Share and Care at 105 Hwy 62/65 Bypass Harrison, AR 72601 or via our website ozarkshareandcare.org. Together, we can ensure that hunger never goes on vacation-and that every person feels safe, valued, and cared for in the generations to come. Please feel free to contact me directly at 870-741-3130 or holly@ozarkshareandcare.org to discuss this life-changing project further.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Holly Carson, Executive Director