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Feed the Need of Putnam County wins $25,000 grant, outlines expanded weekend food and wellness work
Summary
Feed the Need of Putnam County told the school board it has received a $25,000 grant to support a new health-and-wellness campaign and provided an update on fundraising, volunteer operations and upcoming events that support weekend food distribution to students in 12 district schools.
Feed the Need of Putnam County told the school board on Nov. 4 that the organization received a $25,000 grant from the Florida Beverage and American Beverage Association to fund a new health-and-wellness campaign aimed at helping families use the nonperishable food packs the charity sends home on Fridays.
The presentation, given by volunteer board member and treasurer Jackie Porter and community liaison Stacy Isold, described the program’s operations and scale: what began with weekend backpacks at a single school now serves 12 schools in the district, volunteers sort and pack food every other Tuesday, and teachers identify students who receive weekend packs. "Feed the Need was just awarded a $25,000 grant from the Florida Beverage and American Beverage Association," Isold said.
Executive director Denise Bramlin and volunteer Becky Moats described how the food is distributed and why the program is needed locally. Bramlin invited one-time and recurring donations and sponsorships to sustain the operation. At the meeting, Jackie Porter reported on recent fundraising: "I think we're somewhere right about $54,000," she said, referring to proceeds from the organization's fall gala that support warehouse purchases and distribution.
Speakers outlined current needs and logistics: the organization recently lost a peanut-butter sponsor and continues to prioritize canned protein and jars of jelly ahead of holiday weekends; speakers said a single pallet of product can cost roughly $2,000 depending on sourcing. The group also announced an Empty Bowl fundraiser on Nov. 17 at a local brewing company featuring student-made bowls; proceeds will support the food distribution program.
Board members thanked the volunteers and district staff who coordinate donations and school pickups. No board action was required; the presentation concluded with the board taking note of the program’s request for volunteer support and supply donations.
