Archive for category: News

Grant from Duke Energy Allows CFB to Participate in Exciting Pilot Program

The Community Food Bank (CFB) is excited about being able to provide mobile phone charging stations throughout the community. They are installing the first of many they hope to be able to provide thanks to a grant partnership with Duke Energy. In an innovative partnership, CFB and Duke Energy have teamed up to offer these safe, accessible charging stations to help ensure individuals in need can connect with family, friends, and resources to help elevate their situations.

According to Barbara Sprague, CFB Executive Director and CEO, the agency is placing charging stations at various pantry locations throughout Citrus and Hernando Counties including Daystar Life Center’s temporary location at 9020 W. Atlas Drive in Homosassa and the Citrus Cold Weather Shelter at 5113 S. Suncoast Blvd in Homosassa.

“Individuals in need can acquire free mobile phones and minutes through a variety of social service programs,” explains Sprague. “The problem is they have no place to charge these devices, which are often used to help them keep in touch with family, friends, resources, and even their workplaces, as there are many homeless individuals who hold down jobs.”

Sprague says that individuals who are homeless often times must trespass on private property to find charging outlets.

“Sometimes a business or individual will welcome them and give them permission to charge their mobile phone, but that is a rare exception,” says Sprague. “The new charging stations we are placing at safe places throughout the community will make access to charging their devices more accessible, easier, and better guided.”

According to Sprague, the charging stations will also give staff at local food pantries and homeless shelters the opportunity to assist individuals with navigating resources and even encourage clients to reach out to family and friends in efforts to help them get stabilized.

“We often take for granted just how much we depend on our mobile phones,” concludes Sprague, “For individuals in need, these devices are a lifeline to resources, job opportunities, and the connection to family and friends they need to help them get back on their feet.”

Citrus County Community Charitable Foundation Provides Funds to Purchase Refrigerated Food Transportation and Delivery Truck

The Community Food Bank (CFB) continues to expand, providing food and supplies to 60+ partner agencies that offer services to individuals and families throughout our area. The increase in the demand for food assistance has more than doubled over the past three years. CFB partnering agencies served approximately 30,000 individuals in need per month in 2019. That number sharply increased to 70,000 per month in 2022.

Barbara Sprague, CFB Executive Director and CEO, is grateful to all of the corporate and individual donors who continue to step up to the plate to meet the continually increasing demand. One organization that has been supporting the CFB annually for several years is the Citrus County Community Charitable Foundation (CCCCF). This past year, the organization donated $36,704.50 to the CFB to purchase and refurbish a 2016 Hino 22’ refrigerated box truck.

According to Sprague, the CFB was in desperate need of another refrigerated truck and the CCCCF was happy to oblige through a Special Category Grant.

“This truck is on the road and helping us secure more than 60,000 additional meals each week,” explains Sprague. “Because it’s a refrigerated truck, we are able to help bolster nutritional levels by using it to acquire and distribute fresh produce and lean proteins to our agency partners.”

The addition of this new refrigerated box truck increases the CFB fleet to a total of four trucks and a van.

Your donation to the Community Food Bank (CFB) truly makes a difference!

Listen to CFB CEO & Executive Director Barbara Sprague talk with Bo Hamilton of Fox 96.7.

Let’s give a shout out to the Citrus County Speedway. Motorsports Announcer Tony Modica presented Community Food Bank CEO / Executive Director Barbara Sprague with a $1157.00 cash gift AND 289 pounds of food to assist with food relief efforts and holiday meals.

THANK YOU!

Special thank you to Publix Super Markets Charities for their generous $15,000 donation to the Community Food Bank in support of hunger relief programs. Publix Charities has been and continues to be a generous supporter and partner in our fight to end hunger and nourish hope throughout the Nature Coast.