FORT MYERS, Fla -- Essential food items are on their way to more than 170 organizations in need across the state of Florida, following Load Out Day at Midwest Food Bank in Fort Myers Tuesday. The food bank works to serve the growing number of Floridians struggling with food insecurity amid the pandemic.
Since the pandemic began, Midwest Food Bank said it has seen a 50% increase in the need for food. It just announced that this year, it's planning to rescue $52 million worth of food to help meet that growing need.
When you donate $1 to the food bank, that money goes even further to help neighbors in need. Midwest turns that dollar into $30 or more to aid hunger relief.
Donations go directly toward things like fuel and transportation costs to get the free food they rescue to the Fort Myers warehouse. That's where volunteers work to distribute the food to partner agencies on Load Out Day who distribute it to those in need across the state.
In lieu of its annual gala, Midwest Food Bank said it’s hosting the following COVID-safe events:
- Virtual Auction: Goes live at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 and closes promptly at midnight on Friday, Feb. 19. More info here.
- Carryout Dinner: The dinner will take place Feb. 20 and offer an interactive drive-thru experience to showcase how the food bank and its partner agencies work to feed the hungry. More info here.
