Bread of the Mighty receives food donation as part of nationwide effort

Press release from Bread of the Mighty

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Today, Bread of the Mighty (BOTM), a branch of Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL), received 33,800 pounds of shelf-stable food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of a nationwide initiative to help neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

BOTM is one of 250 food banks across the United States to receive a truckload of donated food through the church. The delivery celebrates service through America250, a nonpartisan congressional commission. Most of the products were supplied by the Church and funded by voluntary donations from its members. It’s through contributions like this that the food bank is able to reach communities across the four counties it serves.

“Donations like this one from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make an enormous difference for the families we serve through Bread of the Mighty,” said Susan King, President and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “More than 33,000 pounds of shelf-stable food means over 800 families in the Gainesville area will have food on their tables, and it strengthens what we’re able to offer as demand grows heading into the holidays. We’re deeply grateful for this partnership and for the Church’s continued commitment to fighting hunger in Northeast Florida.”

One in seven people throughout North Central Florida don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Today’s donation of canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, flour, pancake mix, and dried milk will ensure food is on the table for 845 families. A portion of the donation will quickly go out to neighbors in need, while the rest will be saved to make sure families have meals for the upcoming holiday season.

Locally, leaders of the church believe the delivery reflects a shared desire to care for neighbors in our community. “We are so grateful to have the access and means to provide significant food items as a resource for our area,” said Jon Pritt, President of the Gainesville Florida Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “These donations come from the charitable giving of each church member in our area and around the world. We know that Jesus Christ Is the perfect example of charity. We hope to follow his example in our lives as we seek to lift up others in need.”

State Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson said, “Food insecurity is impacting the health and wellness of our community. With the rising cost of groceries, too many families are struggling to put nutritious meals on the table. Families need to eat, and no one should have to choose between food and other basic necessities. Thank you to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for your commitment to serving our community and providing much-needed food assistance to families. Your outreach is making a meaningful difference.”

To learn more about how to get involved with the food bank, please visit breadofthemighty.org.