For seniors struggling to reach a food pantry and students facing hunger between classes, a Florida nonprofit is working to bring help closer.
Here's what to know
According to the Osprey Observer, Plant City's United Food Bank and Services is expanding access to food and essential supplies through programs focused on older residents and students.
The nonprofit's Feeding Our Legacy program has 376 seniors registered and receiving assistance, with participation continuing to grow.
"We visit two off-site locations each month, one in Bealsville and the other at Plant City Towers in downtown Plant City, to serve seniors who may have difficulty traveling to our main facility or lack reliable transportation," said Mary Heysek, president and CEO of United Food Bank and Services. "Our goal is to make nutritious food and essential supplies more accessible while helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life."
More background
The nonprofit's goals extend beyond hunger relief to helping residents become self-sufficient, empowered, and self-reliant. For seniors receiving its help, grocery spending can cut into money needed for medication and other essentials.
Its Feeding Our Future program addresses another challenge: ensuring students have food when school is out.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Through partnerships with 26 local schools, the organization provides 1,300 bags of weekend food each week throughout the school year, according to the Osprey Observer. During non-school time, it distributes 1,500 break bags weekly.
What's being done?
United Food Bank and Services also works with two colleges to support students experiencing food insecurity.
At Hillsborough College, the nonprofit provides weekly food assistance to approximately 35 students. It also supplies the University of Florida IFAS student pantry on campus, extending its assistance to students outside its immediate community, according to the Osprey Observer.
People unable to travel to the Plant City site could receive assistance through partnerships modeled on the organization's senior outreach. United Food Bank and Services is seeking those partnerships in Valrico, Brandon, and Lithia to expand its reach.
Where can I learn more?
Food banks and pantries across Florida are working to reach residents who need help. These stories cover rural food distribution, funding cuts, rising pantry demand, and hunger affecting families and seniors.
• Publix donated $1.1 million to help a Northeast Florida food bank reach rural counties faster.
• A Florida free grocery program serving 12,000 faces cuts after losing grant funding.
• In Osceola County, Salvation Army mobile pantry demand jumped 68%, prompting appeals for help.
• In Northwest Florida, weekly food pantry trips have become routine amid SNAP cuts and grocery costs.
• In Florida, 1.7 million struggle to put food on the table as costs surge.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
