Community Comes Together to Fight Hunger

Community Comes Together to Fight Hunger

This year’s Empty Bowls to benefit the Community Food Bank (CFB) brought together local restaurants and businesses who joined forces to help fight hunger. The following raised a total of $9813.61 by donating a portion of their gross sales as part of the Empty Bowls event:

  • Amy’s on the Avenue
  • Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters
  • Katch 22
  • Manatee Maven
  • Tim’s Barber Room
  • Wallace’s Greenhouse Bistro

“Like many non-profit organizations, we had to pivot our event model because of COVID-19,” explains Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB. “We are very pleased with the results of this year’s Empty Bowls and look forward to hopefully returning to an in-person event in 2022.”

A number of local businesses and individuals lent their financial support, including Lowman Law Firm, Crystal Automotive, Dr. Bob’s Compassion Clinic, Avant-Garde Consulting and Professional Services, Citrus 95.3/Fox 96.7/Naturecoast Country, Drummond Bank, Kanes/Lollygaggers/The Loft, Kim DeVane and Mike Orlito, JoAnne and Zell Boggus, Armantes, Breakfast Station and Saltwater Cowboy’s Bar & Grill.

“The Community Food Bank is fortunate to have the ongoing support of so many individuals, businesses and sponsors during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Steve Ponticos, President of the CFB Board of Directors. “We could not have ramped up efforts and met the increased need for food assistance without the generous support of our local community.

  • Twisted Mad Corned Beef Sandwich from Cattle Dog Roasters
    Twisted Mad Corned Beef Sandwich from Cattle Dog Roasters
  • Patrons at Wallace’s at the Greenhouse Enjoying the Empty Bowls Soup Special
    Patrons at Wallace’s at the Greenhouse Enjoying the Empty Bowls Soup Special

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Citrus 95.3

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Citrus 95.3.

Catch Us on the Radio!

Barbara Sprague interview with Laura Vaughn:

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Nature Coast Country

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Nature Coast Country

Catch Us on the Radio!

Barbara Sprague interview with Heather Jennings

Special Thanks to Our Empty Bowls Radio Sponsor Fox 96.7

Catch Us on the Radio!

Barbara Sprague interview with Bo Hamilton:

Barbara Sprague interview with Kelly Wright:

Community Food Bank Featured on Bay News 9

Community Food Bank Featured on Bay News 9

Special thank you to Katya Guillaume and Bay News 9 for helping bring awareness of food insecurity throughout our area and getting the word out about our Empty Bowls event April 11-17th!

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Community Food Bank Recognized by Citrus County EOC

Award

The Community Food Bank (CFB) was awarded the Commander’s Award of Excellence by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Operations Division:

“With special thanks and appreciation I hereby recognize the Community Food Bank. You have been a trusted partner. During the COVID 19 Pandemic, you graciously accepted the responsibility as the food and personal care items repository and distribution center for Citrus County. Your capability and capacity supported operations. Daily you provide hope and sustenance to those in need. Thanks again and best wishes.” – Chris Evan, Division Commander

Thank you for this esteemed recognition.  We are honored to have the opportunity to work with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Operations Division and look forward to our continued partnership!

Community Food Bank Named Chronicle Non-Profit of the Year

Community Food Bank Named Chronicle Non-Profit of the Year

We are honored to have been named the Chronicle Non-Profit of the Year by the Citrus County Chronicle.  The year 2020 was one of the most challenging in recent history. The demand for food assistance grew significantly – but so did the support from our community as corporations, businesses and individuals rolled up their sleeves to help by donating and/or volunteering.

We thank all of the corporate partners, donors, volunteers and friends who worked alongside us to help us help those in need. 

We also want to give a special shout out to Nancy Kennedy at the Citrus County Chronicle.  She is an outstanding journalist who does an amazing job of helping the community better understand what we do and how we do it.

And, finally, thank you to the Citrus County Chronicle for naming us your Non-Profit of the Year. We are truly humbled by this honor.  No doubt, 2020 was a challenging year. Regardless of what the future holds for 2021, we will work just as hard to continue fulfilling our mission of ending hunger and nourishing hope!

Read More on Citrus County Chronicle:

End-of-Year Charitable Giving Sometimes Comes with Added Benefits

Qualified Charitable Distribution Can Be a Tax-Efficient Way to Donate Money to Charity

The Community Food Bank (CFB) is honored when an individual or business chooses to make a donation to support our organization.  All donations to the CFB are tax deductible; however, some forms of donating may carry added benefits. One type of donation to consider, especially for end-of-year giving, is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).  A charitable organization can also receive investments as gifts.

“Our donors are our lifeline.  Without the generosity of the community, we would never have been able to keep our pantries full during the unique challenges of this past year,” explains Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB. “QCD is just one way individuals can make a difference in their community while enjoying an added tax benefit. It’s a win-win for everyone!”

If you still need to make your required minimum distribution (RMD), contact your tax professional to see if a QCD can be put toward the year-end total required to avoid an excise tax penalty. To make a QCD or to gift another type of investment to the CFB, please contact either Barbara Sprague – executivedirector@cfbocc.org or your investment adviser.

Community Food Bank is Honored to be Presented with a $10,000 Donation from SHERLOQ® Group

Pictured from Left to Right – CFB Volunteers Bill Daily and Arthur Chew Proudly Display the Generous Donation

The Community Food Bank (CFB) was presented with a $10,000 gift made on behalf of Deborah MacArthur Anderson, Chairman and President of the corporate board for SHERLOQ® Group.  According to Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB, the donation will provide 100,000 meals to individuals and families throughout Citrus County who are facing hunger.

“This year has been a tough year, and the holidays are extremely difficult for many folks throughout our community,” says Sprague. “We are grateful for companies such as SHERLOQ® Group whose generous gift allows us to provide much needed food and resources to individuals in need.”

United Way of Citrus County Helps CFB Make Thanksgiving Happy for Families in Need

Pictured from left to right: Meghan Pitzer, CEO of the United Way of Citrus County
and Barbara Sprague, executive director of CFB.

The Community Food Bank (CFB) would like to extend a special thank you to the United Way of Citrus County. The agency donated $5000 to the CFB, which was used to provide an additional 7353 Thanksgiving meals to families in need throughout our local community.  We value and appreciate your continued support!