LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — The ongoing federal shutdown will hit home for many tomorrow as SNAP benefits temporarily freeze, leaving thousands across the Lake area without food assistance. Local pantries are bracing for an influx, and the community is once again being called to rally for its neighbors.
Over 8,000 people in Camden, Miller, and Morgan counties were receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as of September 2025. More than 3,000 of those were children, among those with disabilities, seniors, and other adults.
Mother Nature's Retreat on the Niangua River donated $2,000 worth of groceries to Share The Harvest on Oct. 29, 2025.
The Missouri Department of Social Services says it won't issue November's SNAP benefits until further notice because it is 100% federally funded — which won't be financed thanks to the government shutdown that started Oct. 1 for failing to pass 2026 funding legislation.
Some relief came on Wednesday when Governor Mike Kehoe ordered a $5 million distribution to Missouri food banks using funds from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. While this takes the place of a regular appropriations typically issued later in the year, it is being issued now due to the loss of SNAP benefits.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says federal nutrition benefits for low-income mothers and children will remain available into November through the WIC program.
Check out Feeding Missouri for local food banks and services across the state. Lake area pantries and how to help are listed below.
"We're hopeful this government shutdown doesn't last long, but we're also hopeful the community will step up and help us keep our shelves full," said Shana Aubuschon, director of Share The Harvest.
About 75% of pantry clients at STH are SNAP recipients, but Aubuschon said they're expecting an increase in operations next week in Camden County.
"That means an increase in the number of people we'll serve, but we're not getting any extra," Aubuschon said, noting that USDA and other programs aren't being funded. "We shouldn't see a decrease in November, but if this lasts until December, we'll start seeing a decrease in the food we get from our food bank."
Food Pantries Around Lake Of The Ozarks
How To Help
Local food pantries are preparing for increased demand, and community donations will be essential in the weeks ahead.
Lake Life Nutrition is offering a special discount on orders for those who donate to the food drive!
Lake Life Nutrition — 8779 N HWY 5 Suite 6, Camdenton, MO
Open 7AM – 4PM
Donations accepted through Nov. 21stShare The Harvest has placed collection barrels at several Camden County businesses, where nonperishable food can be dropped off weekly. A list of participating locations is available on their Facebook page.
For those who can't help right away, two major food drives called Pack The Truck are planned. Volunteers will collect donations at Gerbes in Camdenton on Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at Woods Grocery Store in Sunrise Beach on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Central Ozarks Medical Center is also hosting a November food drive at all of its locations. The food collected will be shared among Share The Harvest and two other outreach programs serving local families.
What to Donate
Pantries primarily need shelf-stable, nonperishable items — foods that can be stored without refrigeration and haven’t passed their sell-by dates. Popular items include:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned soups, fruits, vegetables, stews, fish, and beans
- Pasta, mac & cheese, or rice
- Cereal
Many pantries also welcome personal care and household products, which can be difficult for families to afford when grocery budgets tighten.
"We live in an awesome community that gives generously," Aubuschon said, trusting in the Lake community to step up. "If people don't give to us, that's ok, just give to somebody."
Pantries at the Lake
For those who deal with food insecurity and feel alone, there are many food pantries and thrift-store supported programs in the area ready to help as the weather changes and federal aid is cut.
"We try to make our pantry clients feel warm and welcome," Aubuschon said. "There's no judgment about what people need; we don't know their backstory."
Share The Harvest
Where: 689 N. State Hwy 7 & EE Junction, Camdenton
Contact: 573-873-5855
Hours: Tuesday, 1-7 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Clients (Camden County residents and some "on-the-border" residents) are allowed to pick their own food! Government guidelines are used to qualify people.
Lamb House
Where: 93 Morgan St., Camdenton
Contact: 573-346-2168
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Expecting a 20% increase in food requests, the thrift store and E-Bay store help them provide fresh products. Those who were receiving SNAP automatically qualify. Take this survey to help Lamb House determine if extended hours are needed to access the pantry.
Mobile Market
Where: 5237 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach @ the Church at Osage Hills
Contact: 573-474-1020
Hours: typically the 2nd Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m.
Hope House
Where: 40 Lakeland Rd., Lake Ozark
Contact: 573-365-0099
Hours: 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
If you live in Iberia, Brumley, Ulman, Tuscumbia, Kaiser, Osage Beach (nothing past KK), Lake Ozark, and Eldon, you may qualify to become a client. Apply in person and make sure to bring a driver's license, social security card, and proof of current address and ID for every household member.
Eldon Food Pantry
Where: 312 E. 2nd St., Eldon
Contact: 573-392-8380
Hours: Every Monday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the 1st & 2nd Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Our Father's Table
Where: 214 S. Mill St., Eldon
Contact: 573-434-4178
Hours: serves dinner Monday through Friday, 5:30-7 p.m.
Everyone who's in a pinch is welcome at the soup kitchen! No ID or record of income necessary.
Food For Morgan County
Where: 305 W. Newton St., Versailles
Contact: 573-789-7473
Hours: four distributions each month on Thursdays, from 2-5:30 p.m. on the first Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the following days
Another choice pantry where guests can shop for products to help reduce waste.
Ivy Bend Food Pantry
Where: 41569 Ivy Bend Rd., Stover
Contact: 573-372-9892
Hours: monthly distribution. Next one is Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 8 to noon
Every Friday, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., those who are 60 and older can receive a free meal. Call or view their community information page for more programs.
Use The Food Bank's food locator to find more partner agencies!
