Did you know that one in every 10 families rely on food banks or soup kitchens for food each month? Here is another startling statistic: One in ever three families with children goes hungry every month. How about this one: over one third of homeless people go at least one day a week without any nourishment. The Jacksonville Bar Association in association with Chili’s Grill and Bar would like to help change those statistic. We have partnered with Chili’s and The Second Harvest Food Bank to promote a food drive over the coming holiday months. We are asking all of our members to bring one non-perishable item to The Jacksonville Bar Association Monthly Luncheon Thursday and the Nov. 21 Bench and Bar Party, The Jacksonville Bar Association office, or any Chili’s. The Bar office will serve as the donation “headquarters.” All donations must be made by Dec. 8 to insure their delivery to needy local families for the holidays.
In 1999, the Food Bank distributed six million pounds of food to those in need in the Jacksonville area. They supply food to over 350 daycare centers, senior centers, and other non-profit agencies in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. In addition, over 30,000 people received a 2-3 day emergency supply of groceries from the Crisis Relief Center. Food drives throughout the year and donations from corporations and individuals help maintain the critical food supply. As a large association, we should all come together to help feed the hungry this holiday season.
We are hoping that, not only will you donate an item for our drive, you will be willing to place a donation box in your office for your staff, clients, and other visitors to become involved. If you have any questions or if you are interested in being a “donation location,” please contact The Bar office at 399-4486. Thank you in advance for your support of this event. We hope that this food drive will help fill the stomachs of the hungry with warm food and help to fill your heart with the spirit of kindness and giving.