Submitted by Martin Proctor
When Faith Neighborhood Center (FNC), found out that it lost its primary sponsor and grant money for its “need-based” summer student feeding program in South Lake County, the center was unsure where the funds would come from. The original plan was to fund enough food for 200 children; however, the need in Groveland and Mascotte was so great that the number of student applications more than doubled. FNC took a leap of faith that the community would agree with the need and provide replacement funding.
As of mid-July, the program is mostly funded because of the efforts of organizations like Beta Theta, ESA and TOVA to fulfill the needs. Additional donations are needed to fill the rest of the summer feeding boxes for students.
Faith Neighborhood Center (FNC) is currently feeding 477 children identified as being in need of food assistance throughout the school year. The students do not receive food from their school lunch program during the summer. FNC along with Real Life Christian Church is providing qualified students (through their parents) with boxes of food containing breakfast, lunch, and a snack. None have been turned away
“We committed to feeding 200 children this summer” stated Patricia Kry, Executive Director at FNC. “It became immediately clear that the need exceeded that commitment. We are so thankful to the wonderful citizens and civic organizations who have stepped up. We are dedicated to making sure that all the children needing food during the summer break are taken care of.”
FNC provides support to low-income families and individuals in South Lake County– Mascotte, Groveland, Clermont, Minneola, Montverde and points in between and south to the county line.
The FAITH Neighborhood Center was founded in 1972 and has been in continuous operation since opening. The Center has grown until now we have over 100 active volunteers. Dedicated volunteers allow FNC to optimize the quantity and quality of food available to registered and screened clients while minimizing the cost of running the Center with a small part-time staff.
FNC offers weekly food assistance through its food bank. Medical support in conjunction with the South Lake Community Health Center. On-site educational and training opportunities. Assistance in applying for food stamps, Medicaid and Emergency Assistance.
There are many ways to help the patrons at FNC. Cash donations allow the volunteers and staff to purchase much needed food. The center, through Second Harvest, the USDA and other agencies and partners can generally purchase food at much lower cost than you can…often at less than 10% of the retail cost at the grocery. So your cash contribution goes a long way.
Learn more at faithneighborhoodcenter.com, call at 352-429-1200, or visit at 14727 Timber Village Road in Groveland.
