NORTH PORT (WSNN) – Organizations like All Faiths Food Banks are stepping in to help the hundreds of thousands of Floridians who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus. And, with Florida’s deeply troubled unemployment system failing to pay out nearly three of four filed claims, many of our neighbors are scrambling to pay bills and buy food.
“We have experienced an unprecedented increase in demand and obviously people are hungry, unlike any time in our history,” CEO, Sandra Frank said.
On Friday, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity admitted it has only paid 486-thousand of the one-point-eight-million unemployment claims that have been received since March 15th.
No doubt, as a result, All Faiths has seen an increase of 40 percent new clients at recent mobile food pantry distributions. Cool Today Park was the scene Saturday for All Faith’s most recent food distribution. The focus? Helping people who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.
“Jobs have been either lost or whose hours have been cut and we’re here to make sure we provide the food they need,” Frank said.
The Food Bank purchased fresh vegetables and dairy from Florida Farmers, passing them along to Suncoast residents in need.
“So we’re trying to help our farm community, as well as people who live here,” Frank said.
They are also providing meal kits with seven meals for each family.
Frank says they prepared about 145,000 pounds of food in nine trucks. They distributed 22,000 pounds of food on Saturday.
“They were lined up this morning when we got here before 8 a.m.,” Frank said. “So, it’s just a steady flow of people coming through.”
They distributed the food with no contact via a drive-thru operation.
While All Faith employees are putting in long hours, Frank says helping the Suncoast is worth it.
“It is a tough time for everybody, and I know for our organization, we are working hours as we’ve never worked before,” Frank said. “But, it’s so worth it to think that we’re providing families with the nutritious food they’re going to need.”
Frank says the unused food will be used next week at Ed Smith Stadium where they expect more people to come.
Stay with SNN for updates.
