Want to be a Hunger Hero? The Community Food Bank needs YOU. Have fun, build camaraderie with staff and other volunteers all while helping to end hunger and nourish hope throughout our local community. We have several fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunities including:
If you are interested in becoming one of our Hunger Heroes, please call 352-628-3663.
The Community Food Bank (CFB) reports a 200% spike in the demand for food assistance compared to last year at this time. According to Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB, this increased demand is primarily attributed to the conclusion of stimulus aid.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year, we thought we hit an all-time high in the need for food assistance,” explains Sprague. “However, our agencies have been experiencing tremendous increases in demand over the last few months which directly correlates to the end of additional unemployment compensation, SNAP benefits, and other monetary COVID-19 stimulus aid.”
Sprague reports that the CFB has already distributed 2,004,172 pounds of food in 2021. Last year, the agency distributed a total of 2,143,040 pounds.
“We had a record distribution in 2020,” says Sprague. “We are on target to surpass this in 2021.”
The CFB has been able to keep up with the increased demand for food assistance thanks to the generosity of businesses and individuals throughout the community. However, funds are being depleted by the increased demand and the agency needs additional donations.
“Every single donation – whether it is $25, $2500, or $25,000 – is put to good use and makes a difference,” explains Steve Ponticos, President of the CFB Board of Directors. “For every $100 donated, we provide 1000 meals. We are calling on the community to consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us get through this unexpected increase in demand for food assistance.”
The Crystal River Eagle’s Ladies Auxiliary has already stepped up to the plate by donating $1312.00. Regions Bank has donated another $5000.00 as well.
“Our staff and volunteers continue to work overtime to meet the needs of the agencies we serve,” concludes Sprague. “We have a wonderful team and will do whatever it takes to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.”
The Black Diamond Foundation recently donated $20,000 to the Community Food Bank (CFB) towards the purchase of an enclosed, climate controlled Ford Transit 250 cargo van. The van further expands the CFBs reach and capacity for food relief, allowing for additional perishable food pickups and deliveries to partnering agencies for distribution to those in need. The CFB has issued a challenge match of an additional $20,000 to cover the full cost of the new vehicle.
“Local Dollar General stores are now providing us with perishable food, so we’ve added them to our growing list of pickup sites,” says Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB. “The agencies we partner with are providing food to more people than ever before. As the need grows, so do we. The new cargo van allows us to make additional pickups and drop-offs to help ensure no one in our community goes hungry.”
The Black Diamond Foundation (BDF) has been an ongoing, loyal supporter of the CFB’s fight against hunger. The foundation stepped up once again when the CFB identified the need for an additional climate controlled vehicle for food transport.
“The BDF continues to go above and beyond in supporting our mission,” says Steve Ponticos, President of the CFB Board of Directors. “We could not do what we do without the generous, ongoing assistance of the BDF, its president, Roger Obenauf, and all of the philanthropic men and women of the BDF who are passionate about supporting the CFBs efforts to provide food assistance throughout our community.”
According to Sprague, the $20,000 matching challenge will help the CFB offset the full cost of the cargo van and also provide funding for fuel and regular maintenance. There are three easy ways to donate:
“Every donation makes a difference,” says Sprague. “We hope to achieve our matching challenge goal of $20,000 by July 4th.”
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:
“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.
Barbara Sprague interview with Laura Vaughn:
Barbara Sprague interview with Heather Jennings
Barbara Sprague interview with Bo Hamilton:
Barbara Sprague interview with Kelly Wright:
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!
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!