Community Food Bank (CFB) Receives Funds to Assist with Cargo Van Purchase

Black Diamond Foundation

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 4th.”