SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - It’s the season of giving, and it’s a challenging time for food pantries and other non-profits. And need knows no season, as hunger is considered a 365-day need in the Ozarks.

“Needs don’t go away. Even after the shutdown ended, a lot of people had to make tough choices in that month and a half period, like figuring out (whether to) buy food or keep the lights on or put gas in my car to get to work. A lot of those choices have long lingering effects that we still must help serve,” said Jordan Browning, spokesperson for Ozarks Food Harvest .

During the height of COVID-19, Ozarks Food Harvest would assist nearly 50,000 people and families across its service area. As of this year, they are serving 80,000, up 10,000 from last year.

“These are not folks who are goi

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