Food banks across the country are constantly working to innovate and improve their services, and without them, the Feeding America network could never provide for those in need. Each month, we’ll be turning the spotlight onto an individual food bank that is working hard to become even more efficient and effective.
This month, we are featuring Feeding South Florida.
It’s summertime in sunny South Florida, and this year’s predictable heat comes with something new: a rebranding and relocation of the local food bank. The Daily Bread Food Bank has become Feeding South Florida and it has set some ambitious goals to celebrate its refreshed identity and new 112,000 square foot headquarters.
April saw the introduction of the Kids Count Program. Inspired by the amount of school supplies the food bank received from their donors, Executive Director Judith Gatti decided to create a supply “store.” Teachers from low-income elementary schools can come to the store and fill grocery carts with paper, crayons, pencils and other items they may need – all for free. The new effort marks a different approach for the food bank, yet still remains true to its values of community support and the promotion of growth.
Slated for a September debut is the Food and Nutrition Center, located in an adjacent wing of the food bank. The new center will offer classes and workshops on healthy living, available to the public. Potential courses include sessions on learning how to buy nutritious food on a SNAP budget and cooking pantry items in a tasty and healthy way.
“Half of the battle is education and knowledge,” said Jennifer Wescott, Marketing Manager at Feeding South Florida. “If people know that they can get healthy foods on a budget, then they won’t be so apt to purchase unhealthy foods at the store. .”
One other fun occasion at the food bank is The Boys of Summer culinary event, a $20 cooking demonstration and wine pairing featuring Carlos Fernandez of Top Chef fame and other renowned local chefs. All the proceeds of the August 25 event will be used to support the food bank.
These new programs and events mark an exciting time for the food bank. “The name change was accompanied by a grand opening at our new location and a recommitment to fighting hunger in South Florida with the new campaign Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope,” Gatti said. “We now have the facility needed to expand programs and increase the amount of food distributed, allowing us to have a significant impact on our community.”
Learn more about the new and improved Feeding South Florida at feedingsouthflorida.org.