Branson nonprofit expands with building purchase

Courtesy Weichert.com

Christian Action Ministries is using a former arcade and laser tag building for food storage.

Branson nonprofit Christian Action Ministries is expanding with a building purchase.

The organization's new building at 2400 State Highway 165 in Branson will provide 15,000 square feet for food storage as the faith-based nonprofit works to combat food insecurity in Taney County. A news release did not disclose the purchase price.

“As the pandemic goes away, inflation has moved in, causing families to continue to struggle," said Michele Dean, assistant director of Christian Action Ministries, in the release. "This new facility brings more storage for perishable items, allowing Christian Action Ministries to stock up on more fresh and healthy items."

The building, most recently owned by Welk Properties, previously was used as a laser tag and arcade.

The nonprofit set out two years ago to find a building to store more food. According to the release, Christian Action Ministries has had to turn away free or low-cost food supplies due to space requirements.

The building purchase comes as Christian Action Ministries launches a new program called Neighbor2Neighbors. Through the program, Christian Action Ministries will work with other nonprofits and local churches to distribute food to low-income housing residents.

“I feel it’s very important to be intentional about meeting the needs of those in our community with food insecurity," Dean said in the release. "We don’t just want to be a food pantry; we want to use food as the tool to do ministry. These N2N events will create a great opportunity to further our mission of sharing and caring in Christ-like love.”

Founded in 1984, Christian Action Ministries last year provided more than 40,000 individual cases of assistance. The nonprofit also has food distribution sites in downtown Branson and Forsyth.