Food insecurity: "a condition in which people lack basic food intake to provide them with the energy and nutrients necessary to lead fully productive lives."

This is the current definition of a growing population of hungry Americans. 14 million are children. Put another way, 1 in 8 children are lacking in their nutritional needs, nutritional needs that allow them to focus in school and grow up to be healthy adults. 37 million people received emergency food help last year, up 46% from 2005. Food insecurity is not only a new phrase for the hungry; it's also a reality which is affecting individuals in our local beach community.  

Our Beach Community Food Pantry (BCFP) has available food for anyone who comes in and applies. The guidelines are simple and volunteers will gladly assist clients in receiving their food as well as in sharing helpful resources that can be useful in time of need. 

We at the BCFP rely on donations to successfully provide assistance to our community. Please help us continue our work for those in need by dropping off canned goods, paper products, fresh fruit and vegetables. Our operating hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

The phone number to the BCFP is (727) 517-2534. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Chuck Pond at (727) 595-7464 or (727) 409-2092.

I look forward to serving our community and assisting those in need, and am grateful for those contributing with charitable donations. 

Anny Tarrant
Public Awareness and Response (PAR)
ama56@verizon.net