This is the start of a new series on the Florida Impact to End Hunger blog where we highlight our wonderful group of board members and team with a brief interview. First up, our Board President Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, Director of Connectional & Justice Ministries Florida United Methodist Church. How long have you lived […]
The Florida Healthy Retail project kicked off in Miami Gardens and has been achieving much success even despite the Coronavirus pandemic. What was first thought to be a supreme barrier to our project is what actually motivates us and our retailers to get support on the ground. I travel to the stores weekly to learn […]
At the beginning of March, I traveled with our Chief Operating Officer Katie Williams to Washington D.C. for the annual National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference hosted by Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and Feeding America. This event was the highlight of my year so far, despite spending a significant amount of time struggling to adapt […]
This week is National School Breakfast Week. Almost every day we hear about how important the first meal of the day is. Without food in the morning, our children lack the energy they need to concentrate and learn. Schools recognize this by providing breakfast at all public schools in Florida and, in the majority of […]
Hunger doesn’t just harm the physical health of children; it affects nearly every aspect of their lives, from self-worth to academic performance to socialization. According to the American Psychological Association, hunger is associated with anxiety and depression in children. In adolescents, hunger is associated with depressive disorders and suicidal tendencies. The distraction of hunger also […]
The hands, hung. The meetings, set. The dining sets, placed. The swag, ordered. The final practice for the performance, finished. Children’s Week had arrived. What is Children’s Week? “Florida’s Children’s Week is an annual week-long celebration filled with joyful singing voices of young children, the colorful “Hanging of Hands”, and the dedication of thousands of […]
Studies show pets bring a level of joy and companionship to seniors who live alone. What does this have to do with hunger-related issues the elderly face? Taking care of a pet includes feeding, grooming and veterinary care, which can be financially burdensome and physically challenging to seniors. More often than not, a devoted animal […]
“I believe every patient needs a physician who will be an advocate to help them regain their health.” – Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka, DPM, ACFAS, CWSP, DABMSP, FACCWS How does food insecurity impact our elderly population? From 2001 to 2015, the number of older adults who were food insecure more than doubled to 5.4 million individuals […]
The Florida Legislature season begins Tuesday, January 14th. For most, that won’t mean much, but for Florida Impact to End Hunger, it is a BIG day. We are supporting legislation that would provide access to nutritious meals for low-income children participating in parks and recreation programs. This sounds like a simple change but advocating for […]
2020? Are you serious? This month marks the start of my third year with Florida Impact to End Hunger, and I feel like I’m just getting started. Although my oldest son turns 10 this year and I just celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary, I can’t help but feel like time is just flying by! As […]