Article by Nancy Kennedy - Chronicle Reporter – January 29, 2024

In Citrus County, food-insecure students have opportunities to eat breakfast and lunch at school and on weekends through the Citrus County Blessings program.

But, despite these programs, some kids are still hungry.

Thanks to a recent $20,000 grant to the Community Food Bank (CFB) from Suncoast Credit Union, local children whose families rely on getting food from one of the county’s food pantries will have more to eat.

According to Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the CFB, the grant will provide 200,000 kid-friendly, nutritious meals that will be distributed to the organization’s 60+ partner agencies.

“Each of our agencies is supplied with food relief and resources to connect families and individuals to the help they need to overcome their crisis and become independent again,” Sprague said. “Children are at the heart of our efforts as they often suffer from the plight of their parents and have no voice in their situation.

“These young victims are often underweight or obese, score low scholastically, lag in reading scores, and become the next cycle in generational poverty. Our movement works to end hunger, nourish hope, promote awareness, and inspire others to be our partners in the fight against food insecurity,” she said.

Kourtney Berry, Executive Director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, said Suncoast Credit Union “understands that childhood hunger can impact everything from a child’s physical and mental well-being to their academic experiences.