Least of These makes end-of-year fundraising push, with $140K to go

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Ozark food pantry Least of These Inc. is in the midst of an end-of-year fundraising push, with over $360,000 brought in to date.

Executive Director Kristy Carter said via email that a campaign to raise $501,000 by year's end started Nov. 15. Around $140,000 is left to meet that goal.

The nonprofit sounded the alarm in a news release this morning, indicating the funds are needed to continue feeding Christian County families.  

“If Least of These does not raise these funds before the end of the year, we will have to make drastic cuts to the amount of food assistance we are able to provide to families, as well as changes to the way we serve those facing food insecurity," Carter said via email. "It is also highly probable that we will have to instill additional eligibility criteria in order for those in need to receive food assistance from Least of These."  

The release indicates Least of These is serving more than 1,500 families per month and that the nonprofit has a month's supply of food on hand. The nonprofit additionally has dipped into its reserves to purchase food, the release said.

Carter said funds raised to date would assist the nonprofit in the beginning of 2024.

“Combined with additional strategies to modify who is eligible to receive food assistance and how much, these funds will help us maintain our food supply for the first few months of the new year when donations typically taper down,” she said.

Carter said while Least of These received COVID-19 stimulus assistance, those funds are now depleted.

"Because we have seen continually rising numbers of families facing food insecurity combined with rising product and operational costs since that time, Least of These is facing major changes to who we serve and how we fight food insecurity if these budgetary needs are not met," she said via email.  

Least of These has six paid staff members and over 300 regular volunteers. In the 2023 Giving Guide advertising supplement, published in August by Springfield Business Journal, Least of These reported annual revenues of roughly $5.4 million.

Least of These officials say direct donations are being accepted. According to the release, roughly $10 worth of food can be purchased with every $1 donated. Least of These yesterday announced a $25,000 matching donation from an undisclosed donor.