JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new food pantry is now open in Mayport for families who are struggling to put food on the table for their children.
The pantry offers fresh vegetables and fruits in addition to other food staples to clients of BEAM, the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry. BEAM provides temporary assistance to families who qualify.
It already has a food pantry in Jacksonville Beach, but Mayport was considered a food desert, there is no grocery store within a mile of the neighborhood.
Many do not have a car or the financial means to reach a grocery store. Now with the new pantry, which is located at 1447 Mayport Road near the intersection of Plaza Road, many families can walk to the pantry.
A registered dietician is also on staff to help clients select healthy foods. Fresh vegetables and fruits are grown in BEAM'S organic garden for the food pantry.
BEAM follows the Myplate program, the national standard that recommends Americans eat a certain percentage of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits each day. The dietician helps clients select healthy meals.
BEAM serves people in the community who live at the Beach from Mayport to the 32082 ZIP code, and the West Beaches to 32224. All you need is evidence you live within the five ZIP codes it serves along with the original Social Security card for members of your family who are in need. You do not need to prove you have a financial need to receive food.
BEAM also offers financial assistance based on need, by helping clients pay their rent or light bill, for example, in addition to helping clients apply for SNAP benefits.
BEAM also has two thrift shops that help fund the non-profit organization, with donations always welcome. There is a store located next to the new food pantry in Mayport and another thrift shop on Shedder Avenue, one block south of Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach.
To learn more about the services BEAM provides to the beaches community, visit jaxbeam.org. You can also up an appointment by calling 904-241-2326.