WCJB-TV20’s Paige’s Kitchen hosts Food Drive in Three Counties

Press release from Bread of the Mighty Food Bank

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – WCJB-TV20 and its segment Paige’s Kitchen are hosting a food and financial donation drive, “All For One and Food For All,” from October 1-November 15, 2022. Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, along with three other agencies, will be the recipients of this drive’s efforts.  

The food drive is taking place ahead of the holiday season to give the food bank and pantries time to get prepared for the anticipated food assistance requests this year. Paige Beck, anchor for WCJB-TV20  (Gainesville) and host of the weekly cooking demonstration segment “Paige’s Kitchen,” had the idea for a food drive to reach out to viewers and bring awareness of the food insecurity issue. 

With the cost of basic food items increasing, Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, as well as their 170 partner agencies, are anticipating an increase in food requests this holiday season. Bread of the Mighty Food Bank will be accepting donations Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. To offer the gift of financial support, please visit the agency’s website at www.breadofthemighty.org/donate. The public also has the option to bring food donations to the other participating food drive recipients, Catholic Charities in Gainesville and Lake City and Gateway to Hope in Ocala. Please visit www.wcjb.com/fooddrive for a list of locations and drop-off times.  

“Food should not be an impossible choice. Individuals and families should not have to make the choice between food and medicine, food and electricity, or food and child care. Unfortunately, the reality is many individuals right here in Alachua County and surrounding counties are faced with difficult choices like these when it comes to feeding their families. The holidays are no exception,” said Sherah English, Programs Director for Bread of the Mighty Food Bank.

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, established in 1987, serves the counties of Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, and Levy.  Bread of the Mighty Food Bank acquires, stores, and distributes food and basic essentials through the support of over 170 agency partners, including feeding programs, churches, food pantries, and shelters.  Last year, 16 million pounds of food were distributed by the organization.