Since mid-February, Treasure Coast Food Bank has provided about 2.2 million meals to people in need of food throughout Indian River County.
It has done so with numerous mobile distributions where at times, a month’s worth of food was packed into the trunks of peoples’ cars. It has done so with home deliveries for people who can’t risk going out or don’t have transportation. And it has done so through partnerships with agencies still operating food pantries across the county.
Treasure Coast Food Bank’s efforts are supported by numerous grants from the United Way of Indian River County’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund. To date, Treasure Coast Food Bank has received $140,000 from the fund.
“Each time we hold a mobile distribution or get a call requesting a home delivery, we hear a story of how lives have been upturned by the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. “We have so many people seeking help for the first time in their lives. These grants from the United Way of Indian River County are helping people get through these difficult economic times that, unfortunately, will affect some families for many months, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed.”
Many generous donors and foundations have given to the United Way of Indian River County’s COVID-10 Community Response Fund raising $1.4 million as of July for food, healthcare and other essential needs, according to the United Way of Indian River County.
“The Treasure Coast Food Bank plays a pivotal role in serving the food insecure of Indian River County, and has been a good partner with United Way of Indian River County,” said Chief Executive Officer Michael Kint. “Particularly in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, TCFB has worked with many new partners to provide the needed food supports.”
Treasure Coast Food Bank has seen the need for food increase 200 percent across the region as many people remain out of work or working fewer hours. For more information about receiving food or to learn how you can help, visit stophunger.org.