Community Food Bank Hunger Hero Recognized as a Champion of the Community; Nancy Kennedy Day Proclaimed by BOCC

Community Food Bank Hunger Hero Recognized as a Champion of the Community; Nancy Kennedy Day Proclaimed by BOCC
Pictured from left to right: RJ Fontanta, Family Resource Center; Nancy Kennedy; DuWayne Sipper, The Path; Barbara Sprague, Community Food Bank.

We are excited to see our friend and Hunger Hero, Nancy Kennedy, recently being honored by Comcast as a Champion of the Community.  Additionally, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November 4, 2025 as, “Nancy Kennedy Day.”

“Nancy Kennedy is a dedicated advocate and tireless champion in the fight against hunger in Citrus County,” says Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the Community Food Bank. “With a passion for helping those in need, Nancy has devoted countless hours to raising awareness and supporting the Community Food Bank and our partner agencies in alleviating food insecurity. She is well-deserving of this esteemed honor!”

Kennedy is a long time write/reporter for The Chronicle. She is also a respected author of numerous Christian books including, “Move Over, Victoria – I Know the Real Secret,” “Girl on a Swing,” and “Lipstick Grace.”

The Lamb Family Launches $25,000 Matching Donation Challenge to Support Families Impacted by Government Shutdown

In the wake of the recent federal government shutdown, many families throughout the Nature Coast are facing unprecedented financial hardships, struggling to put food on the table. Recognizing this urgent need, The Lamb Family, staples in the local community and in the fight to end hunger, has launched a generous $25,000 Matching Donation Challenge to rally support and double the impact of every donation made to the Community Food Bank (CFB).

According to Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB, the $25,000 Matching Donation Challenge is designed to support families throughout the Nature Coast who have been significantly impacted by the recent government shutdown.

“Many households in Citrus, Sumter, and Hernando counties rely on steady income from government jobs, contracts, and benefits programs like SNAP or WIC and the pause in paychecks has created unexpected financial hardships,” explains Sprague. “These families face challenges in putting food on the table, covering essential bills, and maintaining their daily routines. By contributing to this matching challenge, donors are helping to ensure that individuals directly affected have access to nutritious meals and vital resources during this difficult time.”

Sprague says the CFB is committed to providing immediate relief and foster a sense of hope and stability for families striving to get through the uncertainty brought on by the federal government shutdown.

“This inspiring initiative provides critical assistance to those hardest hit” says Sprague. “By matching every dollar donated up to $25,000, the Lamb Family is doubling the impact of every contribution, ensuring that more families receive the nourishment and assistance they desperately need.”

Essentially, for every dollar contributed by November 15th, a matching donation will be made by The Lamb Family, effectively doubling the funds raised. This means that a $50 donation instantly becomes $100, allowing the CFB to provide twice as many meals, essential groceries, and support services to families struggling as a result of the government shutdown.

Every $10 donated to the CFB provides 100 meals. Would you like to be part of Ending Hunger and Nourishing Hope by making a donation that has double the impact? Visit www.feed352.org to make a donation by November 15th or schedule a tour of our headquarters and food warehouses at 5259 W Cardinal Street, Homosassa.

Community Food Bank Seeks Urgent Donations to Combat Rising Food Insecurity Amid Economic Challenges and Federal Program Cuts

As economic challenges deepen and federal assistance programs face significant cuts, communities across the nation are grappling with a surge in food insecurity. The Community Food Bank (CFB), which is now Feeding Tampa Bay’s Regional Distribution Organization (RDO) for Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties, is seeing unprecedented demand in the need for food assistance. Working families and individuals are finding it harder than ever to put meals on the table. In response to this growing crisis, the CFB is urgently calling on residents, businesses, and organizations to consider becoming a hunger hero by offering donations and support.

“Recent economic challenges have profoundly affected our local communities, exacerbating food insecurity at an alarming rate,” explains Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB. “Job losses, rising living costs, and reduced wages have left many families struggling to put meals on the table. As expenses for essentials like housing, utilities, and healthcare continue to climb, less money is available for nutritious food, pushing more individuals and households into hunger.”

Compounding this issue are recent cuts to federal assistance programs that many vulnerable families rely on for support. These reductions have created a widening gap between the growing need for food aid and the resources available to meet it.

“We are now witnessing unprecedented demand, and early projections indicate at least a 30% increase in individuals who will need food assistance in the coming months,” says Sprague. “The strain on the CFB and our 75+ partner agencies is immense, thus the critical need for increased donations and support to sustain our efforts in providing essential nourishment to those who need it most.”

The CFB serves as a vital lifeline, providing nourishing food to more than 120,000 individuals in need each month. The surge in demand has significantly strained the CFB’s resources, and without immediate support, the organization risks falling short in meeting the basic needs of our neighbors.

“Without urgent action, the ripple effects of economic hardship will continue to deepen food insecurity, impacting the health and well-being of countless individuals across our communities,” explains Sprague.

B-I-N-G-O For the Win!

The Homosassa Lion’s Club, staunch supporters of the Community Food Bank for many years, took a fun approach to fighting hunger. They hosted a bingo night and raised $1000!  This exciting and entertaining event will provide 10,000 meals to our neighbors in need throughout the Nature’s Coast. Thank you Homosassa Lion’s Club for being a Hunger Hero!

Pictured from left to right:
Beverly Yost, Homosassa Lions Club; Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the Community Food Bank; Bill Riecke, Homosassa Lions Club.

Community Food Bank (CFB) Named Regional Distribution Organization for Feeding Tampa Bay in Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties

Community Food Bank (CFB) is proud to announce it has been named the Regional Distribution Organization (RDO) for Feeding Tampa Bay in Citrus, Sumter, and Hernando Counties. This significant partnership will expand access to vital food resources for families facing food insecurity throughout the Nature Coast.

As the RDO, Community Food Bank will be responsible for managing the distribution of food and other resources provided by Feeding Tampa Bay to partner agencies within Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties. This streamlined approach will improve efficiency and effectiveness in getting food to those who need it most.

“This new role not only underscores the Community Food Bank’s commitment to combating food insecurity but also enhances our capacity to efficiently distribute nutritious meals to thousands of families in need throughout the region,” explains Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB. “By serving as a vital link in the supply chain, the CFB is set to expand its reach, streamline operations, and foster greater collaboration among local partners—all with the shared goal of ensuring no one in these communities goes hungry.”

According to Sprague, this expanded role is expected to bring additional resources and opportunities to the CFB’s flagship of Citrus County.

“We’re staying true to our roots, while still reaching out to additional neighbors in need. This is going to be a win-win-win for everyone,” says Sprague.

“As a long time and trusted partner, transitioning the Community Food Bank to support the counties of Citrus, Sumter ,and Hernando will significantly amplify the support available,” said Rhonda Gindlesperger, Chief Operating Officer, Feeding Tampa Bay. “Together we will ensure our neighbors have access to the vital resources they need, right where they need them, which embodies what it means to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Want to become part of the movement to continue to End Hunger and Nourish Hope in 2025? Connect with us to learn more about the CFB and how your donation and/or volunteer support can make an impact.

You Don’t Need A Lot of Money to Have a Sturgis Good Time!

Inaugural Event Benefits the Community Food Bank

Too broke to go to Sturgis? No worries! You’re invited to one of the most anticipated events in the Nature Coast. The inaugural Too Broke for Sturgis Bike Rallyfeatures food, music, workshops, daily rides, and fun, fun, fun! Best of all, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Community Food Bank.

This first-time annual event will be held at the gorgeous new Stillwater Preserve RV Resort in Homosassa. Come for the day or bring your favorite camping rig and gear (tent, motorhome, pop-up, etc.) and stay at one of the Stillwater Preserve RV Resort’s premier full-hook up sites.

  • Numerous sponsor opportunities, including vendor booths are still available. We are specifically in need of leather goods and biker gear vendors.
  • Volunteers are needed to help with the event both Friday and Saturday.
  • Day passes are only $10.
  • Enjoy live music from popular local bands including Bottom’s Up, Hattrick, and the David Dicks Band.
  • This event is in coordination with Crystal Harley-Davidson and current sponsors include: Tibbetts Lumber, Lowman Law Firm, Kim DeVane and Mike Orlito Remax, Habitat for Humanity, CL22 Productions, and Avant-Garde Consulting and Professional Services.

Join us for the day, stay the night, volunteer, or become a sponsor.

Call 352-327-3863 for more information on volunteering, sponsoring, or to book your camping spot today!

Inaugural Too Broke for Sturgis Rally

August 8th and 9th

Stillwater Preserve RV Resort

2862 S. MacArthur Ter

Homosassa, FL 34448

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Community Food Bank.

Too Broke for Sturgis Bike Rally

Don’t miss one of the most anticipated events in the Nature Coast! The inaugural Too Broke for Sturgis Rally features food, music, workshops, daily rides, and fun, fun, fun! This first-time annual event will be held at the gorgeous new Stillwater Preserve RV Resort in Homosassa. Come for the day, or bring your favorite camping rig and gear (tent, motorhome, pop-up, etc.) and stay at one of the Stillwater Preserve RV Resort’s premier full-hook up sites.

  • Day passes are only $10.
  • Enjoy live music from popular local bands including Bottom’s Up, Hattrick, and the David Dicks Band.
  • Numerous sponsor opportunities, including vendor booths and food truck spaces available.

Join us for the day, stay the night, or become a sponsor.

Call 352-327-3863 for more information or to book your spot today!

Inaugural Too Broke for Sturgis Rally

August 8th and 9th

Stillwater Preserve RV Resort

2862 S. MacArthur Ter

Homosassa, FL 34448

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Community Food Bank. Download or View Event Flyer

Circle of Life

In a very thoughtful relationship to support our community, Representative JJ Grow and his wife Jennifer utilized their winning bids on 4H animals at the Citrus County Fair to help feed residents by donating the processed meats to the Community Food Bank. Many thanks to you both for stepping up to the plate and donating 1012 pounds of fresh meat to help feed your neighbors in need!

Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the Community Food Bank, receives 1012 pounds of fresh processed meat that will be distributed to feed families, seniors, and individuals in need throughout our community.

Nourishing Well This Summer Thanks to Our Neighbors in Walden Woods

The Community Food Bank (CFB) is so grateful to our neighbors in Walden Woods who donated 203 pounds of food and various personal hygiene supplies. This is a prime example of neighbor helping neighbor, as these supplies and food will be used to nourish our neighbors in need throughout the summer. THANK YOU to everyone in the Walden Woods community for your generous support!

Pictured from left to right: Polly Worf, Walden Woods Senior Community Manager; Tom Stein, Maintenance Manager; and Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB.

West Citrus Elks Club Offers Additional Support

We are so grateful for the West Citrus Elks Club. This group continues to support the Community Food Bank (CFB) and our mission to End Hunger and Nourish Hope throughout the Nature Coast. Most recently, the group presented Stephanie James, CFB Operations Manager, with a check for $2000. This donation will provide 20,000 meals to our neighbors in need.