Bread of the Mighty food bank takes part in Hunger Action Month
Press release from Bread of the Mighty
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Bread of the Mighty (BOTM), a branch of Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL), is wrapping up a month-long initiative in honor of Hunger Action Month. BOTM joined the national campaign to bring attention to local food insecurity and the importance of food access across North Central Florida.
More than 58,000 people, including more than 14,000 children, are experiencing food insecurity across the food bank’s four-county service area –– equating to one in seven adults and one in five children. The need for food assistance continues to affect local neighbors as food prices remain high, the cost of gas rises, and rent increases. To further highlight the growing demand, BOTM is on track to reach record high operation numbers after distributing more than seven million pounds of food last year.
To kick off Hunger Action Month, a $10,000 matching gift was provided by Poppy and Rob Clements. It was tripled within the first two and a half weeks of September, showing that when community comes together, it creates local change.
“Hunger Action Month reminds us that addressing food insecurity takes all of us,” said Susan King, President and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “The generosity we’ve seen from our staff, volunteers, and community partners this month shows what’s possible when we come together to make sure families have the food they need.”
Throughout the month of September, BOTM worked with dedicated volunteers and community members to reach families experiencing food insecurity in our region. The food bank hosted four food distributions dedicated to Hunger Action Month, serving more than 500 families across our region.
Our corporate partners helped us pack and distribute food to families throughout the campaign. Hundreds of Publix associates volunteered at the Feeding Northeast Florida warehouse, sorting enough food to provide more than 11,000 meals, and Publix Super Markets Charities donated $1.2 million to expand capacity at FNEFL and Bread of the Mighty.
“As a food retailer, we believe our greatest opportunity to give back is helping feed our neighbors in need – a responsibility we take to heart,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “We are grateful to Publix Charities for its generous support and working with food banks throughout the Southeast to provide nourishment to our communities.”
Additionally, to bring the campaign to an end, Mayor Harvey Ward has proclaimed September 29, 2026, as Hunger Action Day in Gainesville to help raise awareness.
To carry on our mission for the rest of the year, BOTM has officially launched a new ornament ahead of the holiday season for its third year in a row. Each ornament purchased will help provide a meal to a family of four. To learn more about supporting families for the holidays or other ways you can help the food bank fight hunger, visit breadofthemighty.org.