October’s “Give Thanks, Give Food” Drive

October’s “Give Thanks, Give Food” Drive

 United Way’s Food Drive to Benefit Local Pantries and Shelters
 

Spring Hill, FL – (October 7, 2021) – During the month of October, United Way of Hernando County is hosting their 2nd Annual “Give Thanks, Give Food” drive to 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 Jericho Road Ministries’ Food Barn.

Collected non-perishable food donations 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 to the pantries and shelters will take place the week before Thanksgiving, on November 15th at People Helping People’s HELP Center on Kass Circle.

Last year’s “Give Thanks Give Food” drive distributed over 10,762 lbs. of food to the five programs, including 579 cans of soup, 973 boxes of pasta, and 4,150 lbs of rice. 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. In this year's Food Drive partnership with the United Way and their Partner Agencies, I would ask that we be gentle with each other and give what we can to help. 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 some easy to open items such as pouched food and pop-top cans:

  • Applesauce
  • Boxed Potatoes      
  • Canned Fruit, Meat & Veggies
  • Canned Beans
  • Cereal
  • Dry Milk
  • Granola Bars
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Pasta Sauce    
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly 
  • Pork & Beans
  • Rice
  • Soup and Stews
  • Spaghetti
  • Stuffing
  • Tuna
  • Tomato Sauce

Unopened and unexpired food items 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 local participating locations* that hosted or will be hosting internal food drives throughout October:

  • Bayfront Hospital
  • Brooksville Wesleyan Church
  • Discovery Point Silverthorn and Seven Hills
  • Early Learning Coalition of Pasco Hernando
  • Hernando County Administration
  • Hernando County Animal Services
  • Hernando County Emergency Management
  • Hernando County Fire Department
  • Publix (participating stores)*
  • Regions Bank (Commercial Way)
  • Silver Dolphin Restaurant*
  • Spherion Staffing Services*
  • Target (US19)
  • The Y*
  • Hernando County Detention Center
  • Hernando County Libraries*
  • Hernando County Mosquito Control
  • Hernando County Public Works
  • Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
  • HCSO District 1
  • HCSO District 2
  • Hernando County UF/IFAS Extension Office
  • Hernando County Utilities Department

Volunteers are needed to help count, sort and organize collected items! Sign up to volunteer for our “Give Thanks Give Food” Distribution on November 15th on our online volunteer portal,  Lend A Hand Hernando. For more information about United Way’s “5 Days of Caring,” and to sign up for additional opportunities during the month of November, click here.

image of four masked women behind a large stack of canned soup and boxes of pasta arranged in the shape of the US flag

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.