There is no possible excuse for children to go hungry in this country. Yet it happens - every day, in every community.
According to the latest estimates, as many as 9 million children in the United States live in "food insecure" homes. That phrase may sound mild, but it means that those households don't have enough food for every family member to lead a healthy life.
The number of children living with hunger had fallen steadily over the past decade, but the coronavirus pandemic dealt a terrible blow to our progress as a nation.
As you might imagine, hunger is a problem that most often affects children from low-income families. A common way we measure poverty is the federal poverty level, a number set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal poverty level is the minimum amount of money a family needs each year to afford the necessities of life: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
In 2021, the federal poverty level was $26,500 for a family of four. Of course, this number is a minimum. Families making twice that much are still considered low-income by most experts, and many struggle to make ends meet.
For a more comprehensive understanding of food insecurity, we recommend the USDA’s annual report on Household Food Security in the United States.
According to the latest estimates, as many as 9 million children in the United States live in "food insecure" homes. That phrase may sound mild, but it means that those households don't have enough food for every family member to lead a healthy life.
The number of children living with hunger had fallen steadily over the past decade, but the coronavirus pandemic dealt a terrible blow to our progress as a nation.
As you might imagine, hunger is a problem that most often affects children from low-income families. A common way we measure poverty is the federal poverty level, a number set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal poverty level is the minimum amount of money a family needs each year to afford the necessities of life: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
In 2021, the federal poverty level was $26,500 for a family of four. Of course, this number is a minimum. Families making twice that much are still considered low-income by most experts, and many struggle to make ends meet.
For a more comprehensive understanding of food insecurity, we recommend the USDA’s annual report on Household Food Security in the United States.
Blessings Program
A staggering 72% of children enrolled in Citrus County’s public schools participate in the Free/Reduced lunch program. Of those 72%, 69% qualify for free lunch.
The Blessings program provides 2,450 local students in 31 schools with 6 meals to take home every Friday of the school year. The students are also given additional food to take home over the school breaks. Each child is recommended by a school employee. Students’ identities are protected, their names only released to staff and key volunteers.
The Blessings program utilizes two staff members and over 900 volunteers each month to transport pallets, pack bags and deliver the food to the schools.
The Blessings program provides 2,450 local students in 31 schools with 6 meals to take home every Friday of the school year. The students are also given additional food to take home over the school breaks. Each child is recommended by a school employee. Students’ identities are protected, their names only released to staff and key volunteers.
The Blessings program utilizes two staff members and over 900 volunteers each month to transport pallets, pack bags and deliver the food to the schools.
How Can You Help?
|
Donate Food! Donate non-perishable, single-serving food that is in a safe, easy to open package. Keep in mind that some of these children may not have the luxury of a can opener, utensils, a refrigerator or a microwave, with which to cook or eat these meals. Examples of food items acceptable to donate are listed below. |
*A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
Acceptable Food Items
Breakfast
Single serve cereal bowls or boxes Pop-Tarts Granola or Cereal bars |
Meat
Vienna Sausages Tuna in a pouch / can Potted meat |
Snacks
Crackers (Peanut Butter and Cheese) Pudding Cups |
Fruit
Fruit Cups Apple sauce Raisins |
Entree
Spaghetti O’s Ravioli Frank & Beans (Beanie Weenies) |
Drinks
Water bottles Juice box / bag Capri Sun |
Items sent home monthly when available
Peanut Butter Jelly |
Drop off food donations to any of the locations listed below.
CRYSTAL RIVERLECANTOAnytime Fitness
2668 W Woodview Ln Lecanto, FL Citrus County Blessings 2804 W Marc Knighton Ct Lecanto, FL Please call ahead- 352-341-7707 |
FLORAL CITYHOMOSASSA |
INVERNESSAnytime Fitness
345 E Highland Blvd. Inverness, FL 34452 Citrus County Tax Collector 210 N Apopka Ave Inverness, FL Landmark Realty 311 W Main St. Inverness, FL Suncoast Credit Union 2367 E Gulf to Lake Hwy. Inverness, FL |
Florida’s Good Samaritan Law, adopted by the Florida State Legislature in 1898, is designed with the intent of protecting all donors of food to the needy.