INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Hunger doesn’t care what color you are, how old you are, or what street you live on. But neighbors throughout the Treasure Coast do care, especially during the holidays when many are moved to help those in need.
Treasure Coast Food Bank announces The Great Treasure Coast Holiday Food Drive that begins this month and runs through the end of the year in an effort to ensure that families in need of food can share in holiday meals.
“People in need of help live in every part of the Treasure Coast, especially as layoffs and rising food costs have caused more of the middle class to struggle,” said Treasure Coast Food Bank CEO Judith Cruz. “You think you know what the face of hunger looks like, but you’d be surprised to see that it looks just like your neighbors or co-workers.”
The food drive, which began on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 31, will experience its busiest time as soup kitchens, churches, and food pantries all strive to make sure everyone has holiday meals.
Treasure Coast Food Bank expects to distribute meals to more than 230,000 people in need of food during the holiday season, and encourages everyone to help.
Host a food drive, donate a turkey, or give $25 to provide a holiday meal for a family of four. Anyone can host a food drive: co-workers, neighbors, civic groups, or team mates can visit www.StopHunger.org and download the How to Hold a Successful Food & Fund Drive kit.
This year, several businesses have partnered with Treasure Coast Food Bank to serve as collection sites to make it convenient for people throughout the Treasure Coast to drop off donated food.
WellMed, the first to sign up as part of the Great Treasure Coast Holiday Food Drive, held a party this week to kick off the giving season.
Also, all locations of St. Lucie Battery & Tire in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties will be drop-off sites. Please visit www.StopHunger.org to find the one nearest you.
Nov. 17 is Turkey Trot Day. Treasure Coast Food Bank refrigerated trucks and volunteers will be positioned at three locations to collect uncooked frozen turkeys.
Drop off a turkey for a family in need at Treasure Coast Harley Davidson in Stuart, Perkin’s Restaurant or St. Lucie Lanes, both on U.S. 1 in Port St. Lucie, Archie’s in Fort Pierce, or CVS Pharmacy on U.S. 1 in Vero Beach.
For more information about Treasure Coast Food Bank or how you can help, please call Tricia Jenkins, Vice President of Development, at (772) 489-3034.
