Cynthia Lopell Named President of the Board of Directors of the Community Food Bank

Cynthia Lopell

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.

“Kickoff” 2026 With a Chance to Win a Signed Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football

“Souper” Bowl Poised to Feed Thousands Throughout the Nature Coast

The Community Food Bank (CFB) announces the launch of its 2026 Souper Bowl fundraising campaign, an exciting and impactful event aimed at combating hunger throughout the Nature Coast. The 2026 Souper Bowl brings together football fans, local businesses, and compassionate members of the community for a common cause: to ensure that no one in our area goes hungry.

Participating in the Souper Bowl is easy. Simply make a cash or food donation to the CFB for a chance to win a branded Tampa Bay Buccaneers football signed by Cornerback Benjamin Morrison. The prize comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

DONATE ONLINE

A drawing will be held the morning of the Super Bowl – Sunday February 8th. All entries must be received by 3:00pm on Friday, February 6th. Participants may submit as many entries as they would like:

  • Receive one (1) entry per $25 donation
  • Receive one (1) entry per 25 cans of soup donated

“Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the Community Food Bank or new to the cause, the Souper Bowl offers a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families and individuals struggling with food insecurity,” says Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB.

The CFB has been a vital resource for families and individuals throughout the Nature Coast. Driven by a mission to End Hunger and Nourish Hope by providing nutritious food and promoting self-sufficiency, the CFB works tirelessly to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry. Through partnerships with local grocery stores and the support of generous individual donors and businesses, the CFB collects and distributes nutritious food to more than 120,000 people in Citrus, Sumter, and Hernando counties each month through 75+ partner agencies. Beyond providing meals, the CFB also supports local programs and initiatives to help empower recipients to achieve long-term food security.

Join the CFB as they “kickoff” 2026 with a fun campaign to “tackle” hunger!  Visit www.feed352.org to make a cash donation OR drop off cash and/or cans of soup at 5259 W Cardinal Street, Homosassa between 7:00am – 2:00pm Monday-Friday. Deadline for contest drawing is Friday, February 6th at 3:00pm.

We Can Always Count on the West Citrus Elks!

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!

SECO Energy Foundation Donates $20,000 to Fight Hunger Throughout the Nature Coast

We are so grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation. They just donated $20,000 to the Community Food Bank which will provide 200,000 meals to families in need throughout Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties. Thank you so much for your generosity and for also helping make sure our all of our neighbors in need can enjoy a holiday meal this season!

Pictured from left to right: Mariah Delgado, Executive Director of the SECO Energy Foundation; Barbara Sprague, Executive Director/CEO of the Community Food Bank; and Mary Pericht, Secretary of the SECO Energy Foundation.

2025 Donation Match Thank you Letter

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

Thank you, Democratic Black Caucus!

The Community Food Bank was honored to receive a generous donation from our local Democratic Black Caucus. The organization presented CEO/Executive Director Barbara Sprague with a check for $1100 to help End Hunger and Nourish Hope throughout Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties. These funds will provide 11,000 meals to our neighbors in need. Thank you so much for your generosity and support!

Hunger Hero Volunteer Day

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!

It Only Takes a Spark!

We want to extend a great big THANK YOU to the Walmart in Bushnell. Allen Sanden, Manager, presented Community Food Bank CEO/Executive Director Barbara Sprague with a check for $1000. This gift will be used to provide 10,000 meals to our neighbors in need!

Community Food Bank Hunger Hero Recognized as a Champion of the Community; Nancy Kennedy Day Proclaimed by BOCC

Community Food Bank Hunger Hero Recognized as a Champion of the Community; Nancy Kennedy Day Proclaimed by BOCC
Pictured from left to right: RJ Fontanta, Family Resource Center; Nancy Kennedy; DuWayne Sipper, The Path; Barbara Sprague, Community Food Bank.

We are excited to see our friend and Hunger Hero, Nancy Kennedy, recently being honored by Comcast as a Champion of the Community.  Additionally, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November 4, 2025 as, “Nancy Kennedy Day.”

“Nancy Kennedy is a dedicated advocate and tireless champion in the fight against hunger in Citrus County,” says Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the Community Food Bank. “With a passion for helping those in need, Nancy has devoted countless hours to raising awareness and supporting the Community Food Bank and our partner agencies in alleviating food insecurity. She is well-deserving of this esteemed honor!”

Kennedy is a long time write/reporter for The Chronicle. She is also a respected author of numerous Christian books including, “Move Over, Victoria – I Know the Real Secret,” “Girl on a Swing,” and “Lipstick Grace.”

The Lamb Family Launches $25,000 Matching Donation Challenge to Support Families Impacted by Government Shutdown

In the wake of the recent federal government shutdown, many families throughout the Nature Coast are facing unprecedented financial hardships, struggling to put food on the table. Recognizing this urgent need, The Lamb Family, staples in the local community and in the fight to end hunger, has launched a generous $25,000 Matching Donation Challenge to rally support and double the impact of every donation made to the Community Food Bank (CFB).

According to Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB, the $25,000 Matching Donation Challenge is designed to support families throughout the Nature Coast who have been significantly impacted by the recent government shutdown.

“Many households in Citrus, Sumter, and Hernando counties rely on steady income from government jobs, contracts, and benefits programs like SNAP or WIC and the pause in paychecks has created unexpected financial hardships,” explains Sprague. “These families face challenges in putting food on the table, covering essential bills, and maintaining their daily routines. By contributing to this matching challenge, donors are helping to ensure that individuals directly affected have access to nutritious meals and vital resources during this difficult time.”

Sprague says the CFB is committed to providing immediate relief and foster a sense of hope and stability for families striving to get through the uncertainty brought on by the federal government shutdown.

“This inspiring initiative provides critical assistance to those hardest hit” says Sprague. “By matching every dollar donated up to $25,000, the Lamb Family is doubling the impact of every contribution, ensuring that more families receive the nourishment and assistance they desperately need.”

Essentially, for every dollar contributed by November 15th, a matching donation will be made by The Lamb Family, effectively doubling the funds raised. This means that a $50 donation instantly becomes $100, allowing the CFB to provide twice as many meals, essential groceries, and support services to families struggling as a result of the government shutdown.

Every $10 donated to the CFB provides 100 meals. Would you like to be part of Ending Hunger and Nourishing Hope by making a donation that has double the impact? Visit www.feed352.org to make a donation by November 15th or schedule a tour of our headquarters and food warehouses at 5259 W Cardinal Street, Homosassa.