The Harry Chapin Food Bank is celebrating a huge milestone – the distribution of our 200 millionth pound of food to feed our neighbors in need in Southwest Florida.
The food bank is marking the occasion by holding two special mobile food pantries on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, also known as “Giving Tuesday.” The pantries, on Nov. 27, will be held at:
- 4-6 p.m.: Franklin Park Elementary in Fort Myers
- 3-5 p.m.: East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr., Naples
Holding the pantries on Giving Tuesday is the perfect tie-in with what the day, which follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is all about. #GivingTuesday is a global effort to celebrate generosity toward others. The idea is to bring diverse groups of individuals, communities, nonprofits, businesses and organizations together for the common purpose of giving back.
This is the Harry Chapin Food Bank’s 35th anniversary year. The food bank began in 1983 as a tiny, grassroots food cooperative. It took us 31 years to get to 100 million pounds of food distribution in 2014, and only four more years to reach 200 million.
“It’s amazing to look back and see how far we’ve come,” said Richard LeBer, food bank president and CEO. “Over many years, we’ve built the trust and support of an amazing community of partners and supporters. With their help, every day we’re looking for ways to feed more people in every community and Southwest Florida.
“Whether it’s holding mobile pantries, serving our more than 150 partner agencies, or feeding seniors, our mission is to lead our community in the fight to end hunger. The holidays are a time to highlight that mission and let the public know how they can help.”
We invite you to celebrate with us by donating to the Harry Chapin Food Bank food on Giving Tuesday, so that we can continue down the road to our 300 millionth pound and beyond.