3rd Annual Give Thanks, Give Food Drive - Results!

Food Drive Collects 3 Tons of Community Donations

United Way’s 2nd Annual Food Drive Benefits 5 Local Pantries and Shelters

Spring Hill, FL – (December 3, 2021) – United Way of Hernando County understands the changing needs in Hernando and continues to mobilize resources to help fill gaps in services for local residents. In response to the pandemic last year, United Way launched their first “Give Thanks, Give Food” Drive during the month of October to address food insecurity in Hernando. United Way continued their efforts in 2021 by hosting their 2nd annual drive, bringing in over 5,500 lbs. of food for this Holiday Season. Non-perishable items collected included 1,450 cans of soup, 333 lbs. of green beans, 305 cans of corn, 327 lbs. of pasta, approximately $700
worth of peanut butter, and so much more!

All of the food was distributed the week before Thanksgiving to five local Partners that focus on food security initiatives. Recipient organizations included: Dawn Center’s Domestic Violence Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry, People Helping People’s Weekend Blessings program, Youth & Family Alternative’s New Beginning’s Youth Shelter, and Jericho Road Ministries’ Food Barn. These organizations were grateful to distribute the donations to clients at their shelters and restock residents’ pantries so families had food just in time for the Holidays.

“I am 82 years old and live on my own with a fixed income,” explained Delores, a local Hernando County resident. “I have a very small budget and finally went to the food pantry in November. When I arrived I couldn’t believe the quality of food they were able to provide me. If it wasn’t for United Way hosting a food drive the month prior, I wouldn’t have been able to get the supplies I needed to cook myself Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for this community and it feels good knowing there are people out there who care.”

After hosting the food drive, United Way’s “5 DAYS OF CARING” volunteers were eager to help sort, organize, and count collected items. Seventeen United Way Board of Directors and staff, Hernando County Realtors Association, and volunteers met at the Department of Health donated 58 hours of their time. Their dedication made for a smooth process in packaging all food for pick up/delivery.

This county-wide initiative could not have been accomplished without the following participating locations hosting a public or internal food drive throughout the month of October:

• Publix Barclay
• Publix Brooksville Plaza
• Publix Hernando West
• Aspen Dental
• Bravera Hospital (previously Bayfront Health)
• Brooksville Wesleyan Church
• Discovery Point
• Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition
• Hernando County Detention Center
• Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO)
• HCSO District 1
• HCSO District 2
• Hernando County Public Libraries
• Hernando County Public Works
• Regions Bank (Commercial Way)
• Regions Bank (Mariner/Cortez)
• Silver Dolphin Restaurant
• Target (US19)
• The YMCA