Food pantry transitions to new ‘scan card,’ has new rules to curb misuse

The Ozark County Food Pantry is transitioning to a “scan card” method for check-in during monthly food distribution dates. All food pantry members will need to convert to the new system, as the April food pantry dates will be administered completely through the new scan cards. 

Some food pantry participants received their cards already. Others can obtain their cards at the food pantry from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 10, 11, 14 or 15. The system does not allow residents to sign up for scan cards during pick up, so cards will not be issued then. They must be obtained prior to picking up monthly food packages. 

To obtain a card, a member from each household will need come into the Ozark County Food Pantry office, located in the same building where food is normally distributed, for information verification and to receive a new Ozark County Food Pantry scan card. 

Residents should bring a picture ID with a current Ozark County address, date of birth for each household member and be prepared to share a contact’s phone number. If an ID does not include a current Ozark County address, the resident can bring their ID along with a utility bill or lease or rental statement to verify their address. 

A new rule is also being instated for those who pick up food on behalf of another person. Those who are employed care givers of elderly or disabled residents and those who are certified senior box clients will still be able to receive the boxes the same. Other situations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Organizers say that misuse and false information has led the food pantry to putting the new rules and verification in place. 

Those who are in a “food emergency” between distribution dates should call the Ozark County Health Department at 417-679-3334 to be put in touch with food pantry organizer Anita Chappell, who can provide food for the emergent needs. 

Each family is only allowed one pick up per month at the Ozark County Food Pantry, which can be done at one of two public distribution days. Public pickup dates for March are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9 and from 9 a.m. to noon March 18. 

The April distribution will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 6, and from 9 a.m. to noon April 22. 

Riders of the public transportation service, the OATS bus, are also brought to the food pantry for a food distribution on the fourth Tuesday of the month with the next scheduled day on March 22. Ozark Countians may call the OATS Transit office at 417- 887- 9272 or 800-770-6287 to schedule a ride or to find out about service in this area.

Chappell says the food pantry distribution dates will likely change from its normal schedule to a new schedule in the future. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423