Regional nonprofit food bank joins national hunger awareness campaign this month
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –– Sept. 10, 2024 –– Hunger Action Month is upon us, and Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) has joined the national campaign to raise awareness about hunger. As the region’s largest food bank, FNEFL serves 12 counties across Northeast and North Central Florida, including its Gainesville-based branch Bread of the Mighty.
More than 272,000 individuals in the food bank’s service area are facing some level of food insecurity, with nearly 90,000 being children. FNEFL meets those individuals where they are and continues its mission to alleviate hunger by distributing millions of pounds of food to those in need. Just last year, the food bank distributed more than 34 million pounds of food, a historic high in the organization's nearly ten-year history. Though many issues make up the need, including the inflated costs of food, rent and other necessities, the organization believes hunger is a solvable problem.
Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida, emphasized the complexity of hunger, saying, “Hunger is not caused by just one thing –– it’s a complicated and compound problem, but one we believe can be solved. Food exists that can feed the hungry in our community and throughout the country –– the problem is getting it to where it needs to go.” FNEFL focuses on logistics, working with more than 500 community partners and expanding distribution to efficiently reach areas of need.
Throughout Hunger Action Month, FNEFL is organizing events with partners such as Harveys Supermarket and the Harveys Gives Foundation, Publix, and the Jacksonville Jaguars to distribute food. Iconic local landmarks, including the Acosta Bridge and EverBank Stadium, will light up orange to raise awareness. Additionally, the organization will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a special gala on September 28, presented by Morgan & Morgan, at its new location. The gala will feature entertainment, signature cocktails, and tours of the facility, with September 28 being declared Feeding Northeast Florida Day by Mayor Donna Deegan.
FNEFL urges the public to support the cause by wearing orange throughout the month, volunteering, donating, and advocating for hunger relief. Every dollar donated helps provide six meals for families in need.
For more information, visit feedingnefl.org/hungeractionmonth
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About Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL)
Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is the region’s largest nonprofit (501c3) food bank and hunger relief network. FNEFL provides nutritious foods and other essential goods to those in need and strives to improve the quality of life for people living in and around Northeast and North Central Florida by addressing food insecurity, poverty and poor health. Alongside our network of food distribution, agency and community partners, the Food Bank provides food resources and hope to help all people living in our 12-county service area (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union) who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Feeding Northeast Florida works daily to find solutions to address the issues of food insecurity and poverty through awareness, advocacy, education, and action in ways that promote dignity, respect and empowerment. For more information, visit feedingnefl.org.