The Jaguars, Publix, PepsiCo, Pajcic and Pajcic and more than 20 First Coast area nonprofits are joining together to make the holidays brighter.
Twelve-hundred families, seniors and veterans will be receiving free holiday meals thanks to a joint effort in the spirit of giving.
Volunteers from Feeding Northeast Florida assembled the food from Publix Tuesday with help from Jaguars players, members of the ROAR and others.
About 250 of the meals will be delivered area non-profits who in turn will deliver the food directly to the families, seniors and veterans.
Another 950 meals will be going to Feeding Northeast Florida for distribution.
“Feeding Northeast Florida provides thousands of meals for families throughout the year, and the Jaguars are honored to participate in their mission during this time of year,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping.
The meals are made up of a mix of non-perishables, such as canned corn and green beans, stuffing mix, cornbread mix, gravy mix, a family size bag of Frito Lay chips, 2 liter bottles of Pepsi Zero Sugar and Lipton Brisk Tea; and fresh foods, including potatoes, carrots, apples and oranges, along with candy canes and cookies.
Each family, senior or veteran will also receive a $10 Publix food card to buy a meat or other food item of their choice.
“We’re proud to partner with the Jaguars, Publix, and Feeding Northeast Florida to help provide meals to those in need in the Jacksonville community this holiday season,” said Rich Panner, vice president, PepsiCo, Southeast region.
This is the ninth year the Jaguars have coordinated the effort.
According to the Jaguars, the following nonprofits are helping with the food distribution:
Touchstone Village, Wounded Warrior, 5 Star Veterans Center, NE Florida Women’s Veterans Group, Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Daytona Beach and the Sulzbacher Center.
In addition, the following non
profit groups will be receiving food bags: Andrew Jackson High School, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County, Fresh Ministries Eastside Center, Heart for Children, MaliVai Washington, Sanctuary on 8th Street, St. Gerard of St. Augustine, Cathedral Residences, Matthew Gilbert Middle School, The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, Girls Inc., Family Promises, Neighbor to Family, Rethreaded, WeCans, Yellow House, FL Survivor Outreach Services, The Exchange Club Family Center, Well Church and Barnabus Center of Nassau County, Inc.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
