Some 59,000 pounds of non-perishable goods are going to local food pantries after two weekend food-drives this month in St. Johns County.
The county and United Way’s “Rock the Pantries Drive-thru Food Drive” was held at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.
Debi Redding with Emergency Services & Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County said its nearly empty pantry was filled again to help many in need:
“Because these aren't the typical families, you know, that have been getting food stamps, we've got new people that have never had to deal with this before. They aren't receiving food stamps. They may be applying for them now but they haven't been approved yet. And they haven't been able to get their unemployment checks. So they are desperate for food.”
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Redding said 99 people live on the homeless coalition’s campus, including 41 children. The organization also feeds about 30 walk-ins a day.
Michelle Corum can be reached at mcorum@wjct.org, 904-358-6308 or on Twitter at @MCorumonME.
