Feeding Northeast Florida Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day With A Day Of Service

From The JAX Chamber:

January 15, 2021

Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the National Day of Service with volunteer opportunities at two mobile food distributions in Jacksonville on Monday, January 18, 2021 — including one at Mount Ararat Baptist Church, where Dr. King spoke in 1961 during a visit to Jacksonville.

2021 marks the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

The need for volunteers is at an all-time high, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt across the country. FNEFL distributed nearly 31 million pounds of food – nearly doubling the output of 2019. Despite the unprecedented need, the food bank operated with nearly half of its usual volunteer support.

Feeding America estimates that four in 10 individuals are using food banks resources for the first time as a result of effects brought on by the pandemic. With no end in sight for increased food resources, volunteers are in high demand. This year, FNEFL is encouraging more than just volunteering in person, but to also consider writing a letter of support to someone struggling with food insecurity in Northeast Florida or contacting Congress to advocate for expanded food resources. Both a letter template and contact information is listed on their website.

“Volunteers are at the heart of what we do,” said Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “To sort, pack and ensure the food moving through our warehouse is safe for distribution, we would need to hire 16 full-time employees. That’s just not sustainable for our organization. Right now, there is a shortage of volunteers, and we humbly ask our neighbors to consider joining us to help fight food insecurity in our community – whether serving at a specific distribution event, volunteering at our warehouse or sending a letter of support to a neighbor in need.”

Limited opportunities to volunteer at one of the two food distributions on January 18 are currently available; interested parties can view the schedule and sign up here. Ongoing volunteer opportunities are available, as well, outside of the National Day of Service. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, all volunteers must register in advance to ensure safe social distancing until further notice.

For more information, to sign up to volunteer or to donate, visit feedingnefl.org.

This press release was produced by The JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.