Community Food Bank Of Citrus County Inc

Programs: Distributed 2,123,191 pounds of food (16% increase over prior year) to 52 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in citrus, hernando and levy/sumter counties. In just 4 years of existence, the organization has distributed more than 6. 4 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 5. 4 million meals to individuals, children, families, seniors, veterans, working poor and the homeless who are living at or below the poverty level and suffering from food insecurity. The food distributed is rescued from both private and public donations and sometimes purchased from wholesale warehouses to offset any shortages in food donations. As part of the food rescue mission, the organization picks up donations from over 19 supermarkets and grocery stores in the communities we serve. Types of product rescued from the stores include bakery and pastries, dairy, assorted groceries, meats and produce. The organization expanded into hernando county in 2015, assuming responsibility to service more stores and more agencies/clients. By the end of 2016, store donations in hernando county had grown 113% from the previous year and distributions to agencies/clients had grown 230%. In just 2 1/2 years, citrus county blessings, with the help of our organization, has expanded their school back pack program from 9 elementary schools in citrus county to include all public middle schools, high schools, charter schools and 3 private schools. Partnering with our donors, volunteers and our over 50 agencies, the organization has signifcantly increased public awareness and inspired community involvment and participation at all levels to collectively address the challenges of food insecurity facing the most vulnerable people in our community.