Archive for category: News

Maureen “Mo” Baird

Citrus County Supervisor of Elections

The Community Food Bank (CFB) is honored to have the support of so many individuals throughout our community.  We refer to them as our “Hunger Heroes”. 

Our Hunger Hero Spotlight highlights the volunteer efforts of Maureen “Mo” Baird.  Baird is the Citrus County Supervisor of Elections.  She is very involved in the community and isn’t afraid to lend a hand to a good cause.  Even with her busy schedule, she still makes time to volunteer at the CFB warehouse sorting food for distribution. 

“I’m just thankful to be able to be here to serve Citrus County,” explains Baird. “We have so many people that need food in Citrus County and it is just such an awesome opportunity that I am able to come here to volunteer.”

We recently caught her “in action” as she was sorting food:

Baird also wants to remind everyone that the last week of September is National Voter Registration Week. If you would like to register to vote or learn more about the Citrus County Supervisor of Elections office visit www.votecitrus.gov.

Interested in lending your time and talents to become a Hunger Hero?  If so, please call us at 352-628-3663.

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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.”

Black Diamond Foundation Donates $20,000; CFB Issues Matching Challenge

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:

1. Visit www.feed352.org and click donate.
2. Text DONATE to 352-280-3391
3. Mail or drop off a donation to:
   Community Food Bank
   5259 W Cardinal Street
   Building B
   Homosassa, FL 34446

“Every donation makes a difference,” says Sprague.  “We hope to achieve our matching challenge goal of $20,000 by July 4^th.”