As the federal shutdown enters week four and the cost of food, housing and utilities continues to climb, Catholic Charities and parish food pantries across the Diocese of St. Augustine are experiencing a surge in families, seniors and first-time visitors seeking help.
The diocese, which covers 17 counties of Northeast and North Central Florida, is asking the community to support local food ministries so no one goes hungry.
Regional Catholic Charities offices report a growing need in every area. In Gainesville, food assistance requests have risen by about 20 percent since early summer. In Lake City, the number of families served has increased by 55 percent compared to last year. In St. Augustine, food distributed in the first quarter of this year rose by more than 27 percent — the equivalent of about 57,000 meals. In rural communities like Palatka, Hastings and Crescent City, lines at mobile food distributions are growing longer, and in some cases, food runs out before everyone is served.
“People who have never asked for help before are walking through our doors,” said one regional director. “They are working, raising children, caring for aging parents and now worrying about federal benefits being delayed or reduced.”
Parish food pantries — including St. Monica in Palatka, Holy Faith in Gainesville, St. Joseph in Jacksonville and others — are also seeing higher demand. They need to be supported too.
The diocese is encouraging the community to help in the following ways:
• Donate nonperishable food such as canned meats, vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice, peanut butter and cereal
• Provide grocery gift cards for Publix, Winn-Dixie, Aldi or Walmart
• Make financial donations to Catholic Charities, which allows food to be purchased in bulk at reduced cost
• Support parish food pantries by donating locally or organizing food drives
“Every act of generosity makes a difference,” another director said. “Whether someone gives one can of soup or helps feed an entire family, it brings hope to a neighbor in need.”
For more information or to coordinate donations, contact your local Catholic Charities office:
Jacksonville Regional Office: (904) 354-4846 or visit www.ccbjax.org
Gainesville Regional Office: (352) 372-0294 or visit www.catholiccharitiesgainesville.org
Lake City Regional Office: (386) 754-9180 or visit www.catholiccharitieslakecity.org
St. Augustine and Palatka: (904) 829-6300 or visit www.ccbstaug.org
