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!
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:
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.
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.”
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!
Citrus Memorial Hospital donated 68 turkeys and 78 hams to help the Community Food Bank (CFB) feed families in need this Thanksgiving. The CEO of Citrus Memorial Hospital, Ginger Carroll, Director of Pharmacy Services, Craig McCurdy, and members of the hospital food service staff personally made the delivery.
Special thank you to the staff and employees at Citrus Memorial Hospital who make a donation to the CFB each Thanksgiving to help ensure the needs of our local community are met. We could not do what we do without your support!
Mike Wilcox became passionate about helping others while volunteering with his children at Citrus County Blessings. He saw the difference the agency made and wanted to pursue an opportunity where he could make an impact full-time.
Today, Mike handles all of the everyday office duties at the Community Food Bank (CFB), from answering the phone and greeting guests to managing the databases and coordinating volunteers. He also earned his ServSafe Manager certification. Mike especially enjoys mentoring and fostering the spirit of volunteerism in the teenagers and young adults who work after school and during the summer in the CFB warehouse.
When not working at the CFB, Mike enjoys volunteering at organizations throughout the community. He also handles homeschooling duties for his four children. He has one dog, four lizards and one fish.
Special thank you to Katya Guillaume for coming out to produce this incredible story for Bay News 9. Check it out!
Boogs, Hayden Milby and Emma Milby proudly display their works of art.
Local homeschoolers are tapping into their creativity to help support the Community Food Bank (CFB). The students are creating stylish Faith Over Fear themed t-shirts and offering them at the Howard’s Flea Market in Homosassa for a $15.00 donation which goes directly to the CFB.
Christine Milby is the founder and organizer of this effort, which is receiving much support and accolades from the community.
“Every Faith Over Fear t-shirt is made by a Citrus County homeschool student,” explains Milby. “Businesses provide funds for the t-shirts in exchange for having their company advertised on the back of the tees.”
Daniel and Tuesday Northsea own and operate Dirty Ape Ink in Crystal River. Dan spends time teaching area homeschool students the art and business of screen printing.
“Both Dan and Tuesday are thrilled to be able to be a part of our fundraiser and help give back to their community.” Says Milby.
When the COVID-19 crisis struck, Milby was inspired to find ways she and her family could help her local community.
“When we discovered how many food insecure families we had right here in Citrus County, we wanted to do something to help,” says Milby. “Our family recently began volunteering at the CFB. It has been an eye opening, humbling and wonderful experience.”
Barbara Sprague, Executive Director of the CFB, says the artistry, imagination and philanthropic spirit of the students is both impressive and inspiring.
“These students are taking time that could be spent on other activities to create, manufacture, market and sell these t-shirts to benefit those in need,” explains Sprague. “We are so grateful for their hard work and effort. The Faith Over Fear movement has been so inspirational during the COVID-19 crisis and to those facing food insecurity. They’ve set a positive example for others to follow!”
Howard’s Flea Market donates space to help the students with this effort. If you would like a Faith Over Fear t-shirt, please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/citrusfaithoverfear to find out when and where they will be available.
