Archive for category: News

The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce responded to the Community Food Bank (CFB) 2 to 1 funding match challenge by donating $500 and encouraging Chamber members to also make a tax-deductible donation to help fight hunger throughout the Nature Coast.

Thanks to Foster and Stephanie Lamm’s 2 for 1 match, the Citrus County Chamber’s $500 donation will be double matched for a total of $1500. This provides 15,000 meals to our local neighbors in need!!

We want to extend a special THANK YOU to our friends at the Citrus County Chamber  of Commerce for stepping up with a generous donation AND also issuing their own challenge.  As the leading voice for business in Citrus County, you play a major role in the growth and prosperity of our area. Your support of the CFB’s essential services are a testament to your leadership and dedication to helping ensure the Nature Coast remains a prime area to work and live. We are very grateful for your support!!

CFB Poised to Address Critical Infrastructures Needs Throughout the Nature Coast Under Lopell’s Leadership

The Community Food Bank (CFB) recently named Cynthia Lopell the new President of its Board of Directors. Lopell succeeds outgoing President Steve Ponticos, who has served on the Board of Directors since the CFB’s inception in 2010 and has reached his second term limit. Ponticos was honored for his significant contributions to the growth of the organization at the CFB’s annual gala back in November.

“As the newly elected President, Cynthia Lopell brings a fresh vision and an inspiring level of commitment to the organization’s mission,” explains Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB. “We’re especially excited because she is focused on fostering innovative partnerships with businesses, organizations, and volunteers to strengthen sustainable food programs that go beyond immediate relief and address long term food security challenges.”

According to Sprague, the CFB is the backbone that keeps 75+ local non-profit organizations in Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties stocked and ready to serve more than 120,000 senior citizens, families, and individuals in need each month.

“The CFB is the ‘behind-the-scenes’ force that not only helps keep our partner agencies operational but has become an essential part of the area’s social service infrastructure,” says Sprague.

According to Sprague, Lopell is taking helm during a most critical time.

“Our partner agencies report a steady increase in the need for food, which means we must work harder than ever before to secure the funding and resources needed to keep food pantries stocked and provide critical support to our partner agencies,” explains Sprague. “Cynthia Lopell has demonstrated her commitment to our mission and helping ensure we fulfill the growing needs of our local communities.”

“I’m honored to serve as the new President of the Board of Directors,” says Lopell. “Since joining the CFB board as a member in 2021, I’ve personally witnessed how the CFB has played a crucial role in helping the non-profit organizations and agencies we work with serve their clients.”

Lopell is passionate about partnerships and will continue fostering and growing collaborative relationships between the CFB and area non-profit and community service organizations.

“My hope is that all non-profits in our county can come together in collaboration to amplify our impact and expand our services to the community we serve,” says Lopell. ”I look forward to expanding partnerships to leverage our combined strengths to more effectively and efficiently address complex challenges, thus creating sustainable, long-term solutions that advance our shared mission.”

Lopell says she’s especially supportive with the CFB continuing to partner with local government and federal agencies during emergency situations.

“The CFB plays a critical role in disaster assistance, further demonstrating and solidifying the CFB’s role as an essential service provider throughout the Nature Coast,” explains Lopell.

One of Lopell’s goals is to strengthen the CFB’s role as a vital resource for the community by expanding outreach and increasing accessibility for those in need.

“Fueling our partner agencies has a residual effect that benefits everyone,” explains Lopell. “When area non-profit organizations have adequate resources to address food insecurity, it helps lessen the reliance on our local emergency services, healthcare systems, and government agencies to fill those needs.”

Lopell brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to the CFB. She has owned and operated CL22 Productions, a full-service event design and production company, since 2008. Lopell designs memorable events that help companies elevate client engagement, enhance brand awareness, and advance market value through creating unforgettable guest experiences. She not only works with clients locally, but Lopell has earned a reputation that has resulted in quite a following, partnering with companies and organizations throughout the United States who engage her much sought after event design and production services.

“I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to spearhead this wonderful and very committed Board of Directors as the CFB embarks on and embraces its next season,” concludes Lopell.

The West Citrus Elks just presented the Community Food Bank with another donation. They have been long time supporters in the fight to End Hunger and Nourish Hope. Their $1000 donation will help provide 10,000 holiday meals to our neighbors in need throughout the Nature Coast.  THANK YOU for your continued support!

Dear Valued Friends and Supporters of the Community Food Bank,

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who generously donated to the Community Food Bank as part of the Lamb Family donation match challenge. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to raise a total of $50,065 which will provide 500,650 meals to our neighbors in need throughout Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties.

In the wake of the recent federal government shutdown, many families throughout the Nature Coast faced unprecedented financial hardships and struggled to put food on the table. Recognizing this urgent need, the Lamb Family launched a generous $25,000 Matching Donation Challenge to rally support and double the impact of every donation made to the Community Food Bank.

As always, the generosity of Citrus County shined, and the community came through for us again! Your contributions will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of so many individuals and families who continue to struggle. The simple act of donating has made a world of difference to those who rely on the Community Food Bank for support, especially during challenging times. We are truly grateful for your kindness and compassion.

It’s so heartwarming to see our community come together in such a meaningful way to support those in need. On behalf of the Community Food Bank Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the 70+ partner agencies we serve, I want to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to each and every one of you who donated. The simple act of donating has made a world of difference to those who rely on the Community Food Bank and our pantry partners for support. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors in need as we continue to End Hunger and Nourish Hope throughout the Nature Coast.

With heartfelt thanks,

Barbara Sprague

CEO/Executive Director

Community Food Bank

The Community Food Bank was excited to have local volunteers from the Florida Department of Public Works come out and help us sort and pack food for distribution to our 70+ partner agencies. We operate out of two large warehouses which we use to receive, sort, and distribute food to more than 120,000 individuals each month throughout Citrus, Hernando, and Citrus County. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of volunteers who generously give of their time. THANK YOU!