Staff report
Three Rotary clubs will conduct a countywide canned food drive throughout September at supermarkets across Nassau County to support the Barnabas Center’s nutrition services programs.
The Rotary Clubs of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and Greater Nassau are hosting collection events at five locations on Sept. 13 and Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The drive comes as the Barnabas Center has experienced a 35% increase in families visiting its food pantry since July, including 1,033 children. In response, the center has added two evening food distributions each month, serving 68 families in the first three distributions.
“These numbers show how urgent the need is,” said Jamie Reynolds, Barnabas Center president and CEO. “The donations collected through this drive will directly help us provide food to children and families who are struggling to make ends meet.”
Reynolds also thanked Mike Granaucci and Roger Nordlinger of Amelia Island Sunrise Rotary for their dedication to the food pantry.
Collection sites include Yulee Publix at 463855 State Road 200 on Sept. 13; and on Sept. 27, Yulee Publix at Wildlight, 76010 William Burgess Blvd.; Yulee Winn-Dixie, 96076 Lofton Square Court; Callahan Winn-Dixie, 450078 State Road 200; and Hilliard Winn-Dixie, 550969 U.S. Route 1.
Organizers are accepting non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables, fruits, proteins and grains, as well as monetary contributions.
For more information, call the Barnabas Center at (904) 261-7000 or visit BarnabasNassau.org.
The Barnabas Center, located at 1303 Jasmine St., Suite 101, in Fernandina Beach, provides help and hope to individuals and families in need throughout Nassau County.
