United Way of Central Florida is excited to announce that the George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative has received funding for a full second year.
The donation from the George Jenkins Foundation will go towards purchasing food, resources, marketing, managing volunteers and other expenses to maintain the 17 mobile food pantry drop sites across Polk County.
UWCF seeks to end hunger and food insecurity by providing frozen meat, fresh produce, bread and dairy to those in need. Over 235,000 individuals were served by the George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative in 2020.
Survey data from our sites show that 73% of attendees at the distributions are first-time food bank customers since the COVID-19 pandemic and 27% of attendees were getting food for current or former military members.
Data also shows that while the average miles traveled to get to our food distribution sites is 9 miles, some travel as far as 35 miles. These numbers show that the need is greater than ever in our community.
UWCF food distribution sites are also available in three locations in Highlands County. The Avon Park, Lake Placid, and Sebring sites are funded by Highlands County and the Dr. C.B. and Ranjan Patel Foundation. We are currently seeking funding for Hardee County locations. You can send an email to Emily Cox to help us expand this program.
Information for all 20 UWCF End Hunger Initiative mobile food pantries can be found on our website at uwcf.org/initiatives/endhunger/schedule.
