by Imogene Jones, Food Providers of South Lake
Approximately 160 volunteers from various community organizations came together for the 6th Annual Share Day. The event, held at East Ridge High School, is a Thanksgiving food distribution for the South Lake community. 673 families representing over 2,382 individuals were provided with bread, fruits and vegetables, meat, staples (such as peanut butter), water and a Publix gift card for future purchases.
Share Day is planned and coordinated by Food Providers of South Lake (FPSL), a cooperative group of non-profits. churches and community organizations with a focus on the problems surrounding food insecurity.
Keith Whitacre, Founder Food Providers of South Lake explained, “Share Day Food distribution has happened the Saturday before Thanksgiving for the past 6 years. Our objective is to help our neighbors that are food insecure in South Lake County, especially to provide the families and children with food during the Thanksgiving break so that they will not have to be concerned about food for the holiday. We want to show the community that the Food Providers of South Lake, our group of food support organizations, can come together to help our neighbors in need.”
Including FPSL, sponsors and participating organizations included Light Orlando, Live Well Foundation, Neighborhood Center of South Lake (Coordinating Food Pantry), Second Harvest Food Bank, Kroger Delivery, The Salvation Army, Better Life Worship Center, The Church at South Lake, South Lake Cares, Dorcas Way, Living Hope Church, Real Life Church, Well of Hope, Unforsaken Treasures, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Hope Center, Dunkin’ Donuts, Family Matters Community Program, Inc., as well as student volunteers from area high schools.
