VETERANS + FAMILIES + NEIGHBORS
Resilience isn’t found in isolation. It’s cultivated in community.
2026 Strategic Initiative
Building Resilience in Missouri’s Food Deserts
WHY THIS MATTERS
A Fragile Food System
99 Counties are rural
Many rely on a single food access point
Food Deserts are defined as living 10+ miles from a supermarket
2026 GOTURSIX FOCUS
Address Food System Fragility Head-On
Strengthen local connections
Diversify food access
Support those keeping communities fed
BEYOND THE MAP: FOOD SHOULDN’T BE A LONG DRIVE OR A HARD ASK
This USDA map shows just how far many Missourians have to go to get food. The green areas mark communities where a grocery store isn’t close by, often more than 10 miles away. In places like these, food access depends on distance, time, and a fragile system with very few options. That’s why strengthening local connections and expanding food access isn’t optional—it’s essential for rural Missouri Veterans, Families, and Neighbors.
Grow, Collaborate, and Thrive
Together we can build community resilience by partnering on rotating workshops, Blessing Box food drives, and fundraiser benefits like the Hellbender Disc Golf tournaments, and Hellbender Stories: Honoring Veterans.
Donations directly support Veterans, Families, and Neighbors—many of whom are impacted by PTSD.
Thank You, Veterans and Families.
Named after the Ozark Hellbender, a rare and resilient giant salamander,
the Hellbender Third Space is
dedicated to those who served and those who have their back.
THIRD SPACE FOCUS
Empowering Veterans and those who stand with them to build resilient rural communities through food, purpose, recreation, and partnership.
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COMMUNITY HUB
The Third Space is neither home nor work: it’s the shared ground with a woodshop, gardens, and disc golf course where people come together to build belonging, purpose, and growth.
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FOOD JUSTICE
Join the movement to expand access to fresh, local food for Veterans and Families while strengthening rural economies across the Ozarks.
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SHARED PROSPERITY
Partner with small businesses and local leaders to create Veteran-led opportunities that strengthen rural livelihoods.