Serving Neosho & Newton County Since 1998

Fighting Hunger.
Feeding Hope.

A warm door, an open hand, and real help — every week for our community.

✓ Dignity first✓ No appointment needed✓ Local support
2025–2026 Community Impact
801,876Individuals served
237,449Families served
200,080Volunteer hours
Explore the full impact report →
10.9MPounds of food distributed
237,449Families served
32,783Total Help Center visits
27+Years serving the community

Our Story

More Than a Food Pantry

The Help Center began in a church basement in 1998 and has grown into one of Newton County’s most vital community lifelines. Today, our doors remain open because neighbors still need help — and because generous people continue to answer that need.

“We will continue to serve our community with food and a smile, words of encouragement and assistance wherever we can.”— Donna Wilson, Director since 2002

We partner with Ozarks Food Harvest, Feeding America, Walmart, Sam’s Club, ALDI and local organizations to keep reliable, nutritious food moving into the hands of people who need it.

Help that feels human

Food support is only part of the work. Every visit is an opportunity to offer dignity, encouragement and a path toward greater stability.

  • Emergency food assistance
  • Senior food boxes
  • Fresh produce, dairy and protein
  • Community resource connections

What We Provide

How We Help

Meeting families where they are — with consistency, compassion and practical support.

Food Distribution

Monthly food assistance for income-eligible Newton County residents. Eligible households may receive food assistance once each month. Bring a photo ID and proof of Newton County residency.

Senior Boxes

Dedicated monthly supplemental food boxes for senior citizens during designated distribution weeks.

Emergency Assistance

Immediate help for households facing urgent food insecurity. Come in or call — we will do everything we can.

Fresh Food

Fresh produce, dairy and protein alongside shelf-stable staples, because nutrition matters.

Rise & Thrive

Developmental classes designed to build skills, confidence and long-term independence.

Community Resources

Connections to trusted local organizations that help address challenges beyond food insecurity.

2025–2026 Community Impact Report

Strong Partnerships. Measurable Impact.

Stewardship and service turned community generosity into food, shelter, stability and hope.

Families Served237,449

Households receiving support and a hand up toward greater self-sufficiency.

Individuals Served801,876

The total reach of programs delivering food and resources where they are needed most.

Volunteer Hours200,080

The backbone of operations, powered by dedicated neighbors giving their time.

Demographic Breakdown

Serving 6,353 Unique Individuals

Caucasian 75%Hispanic 16%Other 6%Islander 3%
Adults
3,277
Children
2,109
Seniors
1,510
Total visits32,783
Geographic Reach

Areas Served

71%Neosho
Neosho 71%Other 11%Granby 8%Joplin 6%Seneca 4%

RISE & Thrive

89% average income increase

Developmental classes helped participating families move toward greater independence.

Restoration Life Center

10,000+ nights of shelter

Safe shelter and support for individuals working toward stability.

Hope Kitchen

9,300 hot meals served

Immediate nutritional support for community members facing hardship.

Strategic Food Partnerships & Procurement

Stretching every gift further

Partnerships with Ozarks Food Harvest and federal nutrition programs provide essential food resources, while targeted procurement fills critical gaps and responds quickly to emerging needs.

The Help Center 2025–2026 Community Impact Report infographic

Full Report

See the complete impact at a glance

View the original one-page report with annual totals, demographics, geographic reach, partnership highlights and program results.

Open Full-Size Report

Hours of Operation

Plan Your Visit

Distribution hours can change due to deliveries, holidays and availability. Always check Facebook or call before making a special trip.

Monday–Thursday9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Phone(417) 451-0884
Location1321 Business Hwy 49, Neosho

Calendar of Events

July 2026 Schedule

View this month’s open hours, senior box availability, closures and truck-delivery dates.

The Help Center July 2026 calendar of events and distribution hours

Join Us

Make a Difference

Every box packed and every family served happens because someone decided to step forward. Your time, food donations and financial gifts become real help for local families.

01

Give Time

Sort food, pack boxes, assist with intake, support senior distribution or help with food drives.

02

Give Resources

Donate funds, shelf-stable food or organize a church, school or company collection.

03

Build Partnership

Become a recurring partner and help strengthen the long-term safety net for our community.

Proudly partnering with organizations that share our mission

Ozarks Food HarvestFeeding AmericaWalmartSam’s ClubALDIArvest Foundation

Find Us

Get in Touch

Questions about eligibility, distribution hours, volunteering or donations? Reach out. A real person from our community will help.