Food For Thought: Alleviating Hunger
The Sharing Center’s Pantry
“I happened to go to The Sharing Center at the right time. I thought it was so incredible that I could receive food and clothing. Unfortunately in my time of need, I didn’t have the money to buy merchandise. My son and I were given vouchers for clothes, and I received good food.” Nae recalls her first experience visiting The Sharing Center’s Pantry.
Through the Pantry, we offer the largest free food assistance resource in Seminole County to help alleviate the burdens of hunger.
Those experiencing hunger and homelessness can visit The Sharing Center to meet with a case manager. Our compassionate case managers will listen to their struggles and determine the best plan of action for them to journey back to stability.
For Nae’s circumstance, the Pantry was her number one concern, with minimal food to eat, and a 90-day waiting period from EBT, all she needed was food to bring home to feed her family.
“They go above and beyond.” Nae states, “They are as nice as can be at The Sharing Center. For the holidays, my family was selected and we received gifts from the firefighters. They gave my son a skateboard, and The Sharing Center provided a $25 gift card to Shoe Carnival. Those are things that light up a kid’s life. He was delighted on Christmas Day. I’m always thankful for The Sharing Center, because if it hadn’t been for them, I wouldn’t know what to do for both food and gifts during the holidays.”
Food For Thought
For Nae and her family, The Sharing Center was able to provide a cart full of groceries, and a beacon of hope during the holidays. She excitedly said “I was able to make a delicious chili last night. I had the meat and kidney beans, my whole family loved it.”
Everyday people that you see in passing could be affected by the burdens of food insecurity. No child should have to worry about whether or not they will get to eat once they leave school. No mother should wonder where their next meal will come from. No veteran should have to worry about whether or not they will eat dinner. No elder should have to decide between keeping the lights on or eating a meal.
It is The Sharing Center’s mission to help families and individuals experiencing poverty receive compassionate care. Our team works to provide emergency financial assistance, groceries, clothes, showers, and other essential resources. We address immediate needs, as well as provide extended support through programs that lead individuals and families toward a better future and long-term stability.
We are more than a singular resource for those facing difficult circumstances. Visit thesharingcenter.org/waystogive to take action and be a part of the solution.
