Cardinals, Ozark's Food Harvest, BUSH's team up for July 17 food drive

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Springfield Cardinals and BUSH'S Beans are working with Ozark's Food Harvest to Team Up Against Hunger.

In its second year, this program encourages fans to bring non-perishable food donations to Hammons Field between now and Tuesday, July 17. Inturn for each item donated, fans can purchase a $1 ticket to our July 17 game vs. the Northwest Arkansas Naturals for helping to feed the local community through Ozark's Food Harvest. Tuesday is also a Great Southern Bank $1 Dog Day, so fans who donate can take in a Cardinals game and enjoy hot dogs for just a buck.

The following is a list of items requested by Ozark's Food Harvest:

- Tuna or other canned meat
- Peanut butter
- Beans, soups or stews
- Boxed meals, rice and pasta
- Canned vegetables
- Cereal

"We are honored to partner with Minor League Baseball teams across the country, BUSH'S Beans and Ozark's Food Harvest to bring the issue of hunger to light," Cardinals G.M. Dan Reiter said. "This is one great way to bring the community together to show that we are united in the fight against hunger in southwest Missouri."

Ozarks Food Harvest is the food bank for southwest Missouri, serving 261,000 individuals across 28 counties. According to Ozark's Food Harvest, one in five kids in southwest Missouri struggle with hunger.

Ninety Minor League Baseball clubs across the country will ͞Team Up Against Hunger throughout July. The month is significant as it marks the middle of summer break and a crucial time when millions of children are not receiving free or reduced-price meals at their schools as they do when school is in session.

"As a family-owned food company, it is important to everyone at BUSH'S to help hungry families," said Mike Morris, consumer experience manager at Bush Brothers & Co. "Working with Minor League Baseball and communities nationwide helps bring attention and action to a very important topic-beating hunger."