Bread of the Mighty hosts Grove Street Block Party to fight hunger

Press release from Bread of the Mighty

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Bread of the Mighty (BOTM) today announced its plans to host a community open house event coinciding with “The Amazing Give,” a local fundraising campaign hosted by Gainesville’s Junior League. The food bank will celebrate the initiative with a block party, aimed to raise funds and awareness of hunger within its community. The inaugural Grove Street Block Party will transform 10th Avenue into a hub of celebration and philanthropy on Thursday, April 25, from 4 – 10 p.m.

The community event will feature: 

• Participating neighborhood businesses, such as:
  • Cypress & Grove Brewery, Afternoon Restaurant, Serpentine Plants + Provisions, Germain’s Chicken Sandwiches, and many more
• A vintage market
• Family-friendly activities, including face painting and games
• Live music performances throughout the evening
• An eclectic mix of food trucks and beverage offerings
• A silent auction, with proceeds directly benefiting the food bank
• Addresses by Bread of the Mighty and Feeding Northeast Florida leaders, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward, Jr., and much more! 

“Bread of the Mighty has been part of the Gainesville community for more than 37 years,” said Patrick Dodds, executive director of BOTM. “We are excited to celebrate the generosity of our community and the work of BOTM at this first-of-its-kind community-focused, family-friendly event. The Block Party will open the doors of the food bank to the public and serve as a reminder that we are your neighbors, we understand the struggles in our backyard, and we are here to support the families that call this community home.” 

More than 40,390 individuals within the four counties served by Bread of the Mighty, a branch of Feeding Northeast Florida, face some level of food insecurity –– that amounts to one in eight adults and one in seven children who don’t know where their next meal will come from. Coordinating with more than 120 other community organizations, the food bank steps in to fill the nutritional gaps for individuals and families all year long, helping families focus their incomes on housing costs, utilities, and other necessities. 

The Grove Street Block Party event is more than just a fundraiser; it will serve as a declaration that no one should face hunger alone. The event aims to raise funds to provide 500,000 meals for those in need in the Gainesville area, and raise awareness of the issue of hunger that affects many of the area’s neighbors. In addition to the exciting activities throughout the day, attendees can take tours of the food bank, bringing them closer to the heart of BOTM’s mission –– to combat hunger and its effects. Local elected officials, celebrated musicians, and other prominent community members will contribute to the live fundraising efforts throughout the day. 

Bread of the Mighty cannot serve those in need without the help and support of their community. Volunteering opportunities are always available throughout the year. Financial donations are another way to support the organization –– for every $1 donated, six meals can be produced. To learn more, volunteer, donate, or find food near you, visit breadofthemighty.org.