Archive for category: News

Community Food Bank (CFB) is proud to announce it has been named the Regional Distribution Organization (RDO) for Feeding Tampa Bay in Citrus, Sumter, and Hernando Counties. This significant partnership will expand access to vital food resources for families facing food insecurity throughout the Nature Coast.

As the RDO, Community Food Bank will be responsible for managing the distribution of food and other resources provided by Feeding Tampa Bay to partner agencies within Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties. This streamlined approach will improve efficiency and effectiveness in getting food to those who need it most.

“This new role not only underscores the Community Food Bank’s commitment to combating food insecurity but also enhances our capacity to efficiently distribute nutritious meals to thousands of families in need throughout the region,” explains Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB. “By serving as a vital link in the supply chain, the CFB is set to expand its reach, streamline operations, and foster greater collaboration among local partners—all with the shared goal of ensuring no one in these communities goes hungry.”

According to Sprague, this expanded role is expected to bring additional resources and opportunities to the CFB’s flagship of Citrus County.

“We’re staying true to our roots, while still reaching out to additional neighbors in need. This is going to be a win-win-win for everyone,” says Sprague.

“As a long time and trusted partner, transitioning the Community Food Bank to support the counties of Citrus, Sumter ,and Hernando will significantly amplify the support available,” said Rhonda Gindlesperger, Chief Operating Officer, Feeding Tampa Bay. “Together we will ensure our neighbors have access to the vital resources they need, right where they need them, which embodies what it means to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Want to become part of the movement to continue to End Hunger and Nourish Hope in 2025? Connect with us to learn more about the CFB and how your donation and/or volunteer support can make an impact.

Don’t miss one of the most anticipated events in the Nature Coast! The inaugural Too Broke for Sturgis Rally features food, music, workshops, daily rides, and fun, fun, fun! This first-time annual event will be held at the gorgeous new Stillwater Preserve RV Resort in Homosassa. Come for the day, or bring your favorite camping rig and gear (tent, motorhome, pop-up, etc.) and stay at one of the Stillwater Preserve RV Resort’s premier full-hook up sites.

• Day passes are only $10.

• Enjoy live music from popular local bands including Bottom’s Up, Hattrick, and the David Dicks Band.

• Numerous sponsor opportunities, including vendor booths and food truck spaces available.

Join us for the day, stay the night, or become a sponsor.

Call 352-327-3863 for more information or to book your spot today!

Inaugural Too Broke for Sturgis Rally

August 8^th and 9^th

Stillwater Preserve RV Resort

2862 S. MacArthur Ter

Homosassa, FL 34448

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Community Food Bank. Download or View Event Flyer

The Community Food Bank (CFB) is so grateful to our neighbors in Walden Woods who donated 203 pounds of food and various personal hygiene supplies. This is a prime example of neighbor helping neighbor, as these supplies and food will be used to nourish our neighbors in need throughout the summer. THANK YOU to everyone in the Walden Woods community for your generous support!

Pictured from left to right: Polly Worf, Walden Woods Senior Community Manager; Tom Stein, Maintenance Manager; and Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB.

The Sugarmill Woods Civic Association recently donated funds to cover the purchase of an additional electric pallet jack which will enable the Community Food Bank (CFB) to continue to deliver critical food relief to our neighbors in need. Special thank you to this wonderful group who always answers the call to support the CFB in our mission to End Hunger and Nourish Hope throughout the Nature Coast.

The Community Food Bank (CFB) announced today the grand unveiling of its new Trees of Life garden:

Monday, March 24^th

1:00pm

5259 W. Cardinal Street, Homosassa

The public is invited and encouraged to attend

The Trees of Life initiative is designed to engage the community in supporting food assistance initiatives by offering individuals and businesses an opportunity to give a gift that keeps on giving. Trees of Life sponsors leave a lasting legacy by purchasing fruit bearing trees that will be cultivated to provide nourishment to more than 70,000 individuals in Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties who count on the CFB to feed themselves and their families.

The CFB will have an annual installation/planting every Spring. Each tree dedication will be planted with a customized plaque denoting the name of the sponsor or person/entity being honored. The honoree will receive a certificate and image of the tree and plaque, creating a lasting tribute to their generosity and commitment to fighting hunger.

Kent Rinker is the first Founding Patron for the Trees of Life garden. He donated $25,000 to get the garden started and pave the way for this exciting new initiative.

“I am a ‘snowbird’ and feel fortunate to be able to call Citrus County my home for about half of each year,” says Rinker. “Many years ago, I became acquainted with folks at the Community Food Bank and supported them through my involvement with the Black Diamond Foundation. While no longer on that board, I still feel strongly about what the Food Bank does and I am fortunate to be in a position where, personally, I can still help the agency try to fulfill their mission. When I heard about the Trees of Life program, I was immediately drawn into the concept of providing financial aid for current needs, while, at the same time, creating a legacy project that will eventually provide help for many years to come. To me it was a great idea and I was thankful that I was in a position where I could help get the project up and running.”

Barbara Sprague, CEO  / Executive Director of the CFB says the agency depends on the generosity and support of doners such as Rinker who hold the cause close to their hearts.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the Trees of Life garden,” says Sprague. “Trees of Life embodies our commitment to End Hunger and Nourish Hope throughout the Nature Coast. The garden serves as a symbol of hope, growth, and the power of community coming together to nourish our neighbors.”

The Trees of Life garden features lemon, apple, pear, peach, nectarine, and avocado trees, all carefully chosen for their adaptability to the local climate and for their nutritional value.

Future plans include the Trees of Life garden serving as an educational hub, offering hands-on learning opportunities for local schools and community groups. Participants will gain knowledge about sustainable gardening practices, healthy eating, and the importance of food access.

“Trees of Life will evolve to be more than just a garden, it will be a living laboratory for learning,” explains Sprague. “We would like to partner with schools, community organizations, and local residents to educate and inspire the next generation of food advocates.”

Tress of Life has sponsorship opportunities at numerous levels starting at $500. Learn more about becoming a Founding Patron, sponsoring a section of trees, or purchasing individual trees by visiting https://feed352.org/trees/.