The Problem
While we believe this is an otherwise wonderful community to live, statistics show that Douglas County is the third poorest county in the state (per capita income).
27% of our children have food insecurity, one of the highest rates in the nation. (source: Missouri Kids Count)
It may seem hard to believe, but childhood hunger is a real issue in our area. It recently received national attention through a CNN news article highlighting the problem in southern Missouri.
Research indicates that children who are food-insecure are more likely to be in poorer health, be developmentally at-risk, have behavior issues, score lower on tests, and suffer from higher levels of anxiety and depression.
In recent years, the elderly have been at a higher risk of food insecurity. Statistics show that one out of five seniors have to sometimes choose between food and getting the health care they need. Some are unable to afford meals, especially after losing a spouse and the retirement income that the spouse provided.
What Are We Doing About It?
We own and operate the True Brew Coffee Shop on the square in Downtown Ava (130 E Washington Avenue).
Staffed 100% by volunteers, all proceeds from the True Brew Coffee Shop are used to provide meals for those in need.
Anyone who is unable to afford meals at home can come in, point to a card on the table (or mention their need to a server), and their meal will be provided for free or a donation of any amount. Both adults and children can be served and will be treated like a normal paying customer.
Paying customers have the option of buying a meal directly for a child by purchasing a meal ticket. Simply choose a meal on the menu, or pay any dollar amount, and children will receive a meal paid directly by you.
In the True Brew basement, we offer a drop off and distribution center for food items and garden produce. All free.
We also operate the Bread of Life Thrift Store on the Ava Square (106 E Washington Avenue). Here, we provide free clothing and other basic necessities for children or anyone in need. Donations appreciated.
Ava TrueView Family Theater
As an additional way of raising funds for the poor, we acquired the local Ava theater. We offer inspirational films with Dolby 7.1 surround sound and Digital Projection on our 820-inch screen.
We host new releases at regular ticket prices, while older films are usually FREE or a donation of any amount.
We also have a stage for Live Music and Performing Arts. The theater and/or conference room can be rented for church events, seminars and birthdays.
Call 417-683-2999, visit www.Ava.theater . Or visit us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/avatheater
Who are we?
Bread of Life Giving and Sharing is based right here in Ava, Missouri!
Inspired by our Savior’s example of love and service, and the special place that children held in His heart, we are offering this service to the residents of Douglas County and beyond.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
We have no claim of perfection, no motive of personal gain, and no desire to judge anyone. We simply want to show love and be a blessing to each and every person we serve.
We are available for any prayer requests you may have, and we respect everyone’s right to believe as they choose.
How to support this effort
1. Simply choose to watch movies at our theater and make regular visits to True ‘Brew for meals & drinks. Buy meal tickets for children if you can.
2. Go to smile.amazon.com and sign up Bread of Life Giving and Sharing. Amazon.com will then donate .5% of your purchases to Bread of Life.
3. Send in a tax-deductible donation to:
Bread of Life Giving and Sharing
PO Box 642
Ava, MO 65608
You can also donate and even order food, days in advance via our Website:
www.GivingandSharing.org
Also via Facebook at : www.facebook.com/breadoflifegivingandsharing
Our Telephone number is:
417-683-4500
