New Franklin Cares has run a food pantry and free store for Howard County neighbors since 2016 — groceries, plus household goods, clothing, and hygiene items, with nobody turned away. Distribution is the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 4 to 6 p.m., at 105 East Broadway in New Franklin. Bring a valid ID; they serve Howard, Cooper, Boone, and Pettis counties. Questions? Call 660-888-5429.