MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, October 3, 2022
HERNANDO COUNTY, FL
OCTOBER’S “GIVE THANKS, GIVE FOOD” DRIVE
United Way’s Food Drive Stocks Local Pantries & Shelters For Thanksgiving
Spring Hill, FL – During the month of October, United Way of Hernando County will be hosting their 3rd Annual “Give Thanks, Give Food” drive. This county-wide effort will benefit five local food pantries and shelters in Hernando County: 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 Mid Florida Homeless Coalition’s outreach efforts.
The non-perishable food donations collected will be sorted, packed, and distributed to the agencies as part of United Way’s month-long “5 Days of Caring” in November. The distribution will take place the week before Thanksgiving.
Last year’s “Give Thanks Give Food” drive distributed over 5,500 lbs. of food to five programs, including 1,450 cans of soup, 327lbs in pasta, and approximately $700 worth of peanut butter alone. “It's natural for all of us to find ways we think our neighbors might improve their own situations,” said Tim Rumptz, Food Pantry Supervisor of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. “But over the years that I've spoken with so many local families in need, I can honestly say everyone is already carrying their own heavy load. We are so grateful for the partnership in helping reach those in need in Hernando.”
The following list has been identified as the most needed non-perishables, preferably easy to open items such as pouched food and pop-top cans:
- Applesauce
- Boxed Potatoes
- Canned Beans
- Canned Fruit, Meat, & Veggies
- Cereal
- Dry Milk
- Granola Bars
- Jelly
- Juice
- Mac & Cheese
- Oatmeal
- Olive Oil
- Pasta & Sauce
- Peanut Butter
- Rice
- Soup Broths
- Soups & Stews
- Stuffing
- Tomato Sauce
- Tuna
Unopened and unexpired food items, as well as handheld can openers, can be dropped off to the United Way of Hernando County office (4028 Commercial Way) Monday-Friday between 9:30am- 4:30pm. A special thank you to participating locations that will be hosting internal food drives throughout October (as of 9/30/22):
- Bravera Health Brooksville
- Bravera Health Spring Hill
- Early Learning Coaltion Pasco Hernando
- Hernando County Detention Center
- Hernando County Libraries (4)
- Hernando Public Works
- Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
- HCSO District 1
- HCSO District 2
- HCSO Community Policing Department
- Hernando County Utilities Department
- Publix (Participating Hernando Stores)
- Regions Bank (4)
Volunteers are needed to help count, sort and organize collected items. Sign up to volunteer for the “Give Thanks Give Food” Distribution on November 18th and other 5 DAYS OF CARING opportunities through United Way’s Lend A Hand Hernando online volunteer portal, www.UnitedWayHernando.org/
Regions Bank employees got an early jump start and collected over 150 canned soups. Pictured left to right: Cathleen Johns, Traci Lorentzen, Samantha Forte, and Stacy DeMarco.
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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs. UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. UWHC works hard to balance the growing demand for basic services such as food, utilities, and rent assistance, with our ongoing commitment to tackling the underlying causes of complex issues. United Way partners with businesses and organizations that share our vision for improving lives through the power of collective impact and working together. Our support for long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children, youth, adults & elders, encouraging health and wellness, including physical and emotional care, promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency, and crisis intervention. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org.