INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — You may not realize that the meals we eat have a history as rich as their taste. As the Treasure Coast Food Bank commemorates 25 years of providing sustenance, security, and hope to people in need throughout the Treasure Coast, the organization is reflecting on its past while exploring the history of food and the people who have influenced what we eat.
To continue its long tradition of raising awareness of hunger in the community, TCFB is hosting two educational luncheons and presentations in February.
The events, titled “An Uncommon History of American Cooks and Meals,” feature Barbara Haber. Haber is a notable food historian, author, editor, James Beard Foundation Awards Board Member, and colleague of Julia Child.
Haber, one of America’s most respected authorities on the history of food, will put this extraordinary subject on the table as she views food as a lens through which we can examine our country’s history.
She’ll provide a historical perspective of the people who have taken charge of food in our country and made noble contributions to their communities, whether by collaborating to create community cookbooks for charity or by serving as volunteers in the Civil War to help nourish wounded soldiers.
“Having Barbara Haber educate us as we celebrate our 25 years of community service will set the tone for the years ahead as we move toward our collective vision of a hunger-free Treasure Coast,” said Treasure Coast Food Bank CEO Judith Cruz.
What began with a small group of faith-based volunteers in 1988 has grown to become the region’s only food bank and the largest hunger relief organization in the area. As TCFB marks a quarter century of service, it is preparing for the increased need in the future.
The food bank took an important step in meeting this increased demand for services by completing the renovation of a new 35,000 square foot food distribution center in Fort Pierce.
But, there is still more work to be done.
“With more than 100,000 people facing hunger each and every week in our area, it is essential that we combat hunger not only with food but with educational and other hunger assistance programs to help individuals and families gain long term food security,” said Cruz.
“An Uncommon History of American Cooks and Meals” luncheon is one of many ways TCFB will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. The events are being held in Vero Beach at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Feb. 26 and in Stuart at the Blake Library on Feb. 27.
Both luncheons will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person, with all proceeds to benefit the food bank.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information or to register, please send an email to RSVPp@TCFoodBank.org, call (772) 489-3034, or visit the website at www.StopHunger.org.
