PALATKA, Fla. – Farm Share will hold a handful of food distributions in Northeast Florida this week.
At its first drive-thru distribution this week. Volunteers handed out enough food to feed about 300 families at the CMBC Family Life Center in Palatka.
Michael Hurley was one of the first people in line.
“We’re going through somewhat of a difficult time but hopefully this year will be better than last year,” he said.
Since March 2020, Farm Share said it has held thousands of food distribution statewide and distributed nearly 90 million meals related to its Covid-19 relief efforts.
“It’s scary how consistent this has all been,” said Matthew Gallen, Facility Manager of Farm Share of Jacksonville. “We’ve waited for it to slow up and it’s just not happening.”
At each food distribution, people receive fresh produce and non-perishables to get them through several days. The food distributions are drive-thru only to reduce contact amid the pandemic. The food will be directly loaded into the trunk of the car. Attendees are asked to wear a mask.
Gallen said the best way to help is to donate online. If you can’t give money, giving your time is just as valuable. Coordinator La’Farrah Davis said you make a real difference in people’s lives.
“It means a lot but not everybody has the opportunity to get into a grocery store and pick up a bag of rice. Not everybody has the opportunity to pick up a can of beans or have fruit. It means a lot because there are people that are in need that are still living day to day without shelter, without food on their tables,” Davis said.
The other distributions this week include:
Macclenny: Baker County Fairgrounds
Thursday, January 28, 2021
10 a.m. -1 p.m.
5567 Lauramore Road
Gainesville: Gainesville Regional Airport
Friday, January 29, 2021
9:30 a.m. -12 p.m.
4191 NE Waldo Road
Gainesville, FL 32609
Orange Park: First Baptist Church of Orange Park
Saturday, January 30, 2021
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
1140 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, FL 32073
Jacksonville: Pearl Street Lot
Saturday, January 30, 2021
9:30 a.m. -11 a.m.
5206 N Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32208