Feeding Northeast Florida launches ornament campaign to sponsor holiday meals for families in need

Press release from Bread of the Mighty

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL), the region’s largest and most efficient nonprofit food bank, along with its Gainesville branch location Bread of the Mighty, has launched a new campaign to serve families in need this holiday season. The organization will craft holiday ornaments, making them available through the food bank’s website. The ornaments, priced at $30, will help to cover the cost of sponsoring a family’s holiday dinner.

While the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, they often center around a big meal. For the more than 272,000 individuals in our northeast Florida community facing food insecurity, creating a special meal often falls outside of family’s monthly budgets –– and that’s where Feeding Northeast Florida steps in. The food bank stands in the gap for those who find themselves in need both this time of year, and every day. In addition to opportunities to volunteer or donate, this year, FNEFL is inviting the community to get involved in a more simplified way –– by donating directly and receiving a one-of-a-kind ornament to sponsor a family in need. 

“Every year, we provide thousands of individuals and families with the ingredients for a holiday meal. This ornament campaign provides a tangible way for our supporters to stand with those in need,” said Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “While hunger is a year-round issue, it’s especially relevant this time of year when we gather together to celebrate and give thanks. This campaign raises important funds for our holiday distribution events, while providing our supporters with a visual symbol of our gratitude for their generosity. We look forward to continuing  this tradition for many years to come.” 

With a donation of $30, individuals and businesses will receive a limited-edition ornament from FNEFL. The donation will directly impact the individuals and families in our region that may otherwise go without this holiday season. Ornaments will be produced in house, with the help of the organization’s 3D-printer, emblazoned with the year. Recipients can choose either “Together, we are Feeding Northeast Florida,” or “Bread of the Mighty: Fighting Hunger Together” for the message. 

Ornaments are limited, with only 500 available, and can be picked up in-person at the food bank’s newly renovated Jacksonville campus (located at 5245 Old Kings Road) or from Bread of the Mighty (located at 325 NW 10th Ave in Gainesville); they can also be ordered online and shipped. The one-of-a-kind ornaments are available until December 13, 2024.

For more information, or to purchase ornaments, visit feedingnefl.org/give-thanks-by-giving-back/ or breadofthemighty.org/thanksgiving2024.