Many groups throughout Jefferson County regularly distribute free food to assist residents who need groceries:
A New Day Initiative
1599 Waukeenah Hwy.
8 a.m. until the food is gone
Fourth Saturday of the month
Bethel A.M.E Church
410 E. York St.
8:30 a.m.
Second Harvest Food Bank distribution site
First Friday of Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.
Bethpage M.B. Church
379 Bethpage Rd., Wacissa
10 a.m.-noon
Drive-through every Thursday
Central Baptist Church
655 Tindell Rd.
Noon
Every other Wednesday
Christ Episcopal Church
425 N. Cherry St.
7:15-9:30 a.m. or until food is gone
Last Friday of the month
Eagles Wings Food Pantry
290 E. Dogwood St.
9-10:30 a.m.
First and third Wednesdays of the month
Health Department 24/7 Food Locker
1255 W. Washington St.
To receive an access code for a food locker, stop by Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or call 850-342-0170.
Life Source Choice Food Pantry
1599 Spring Hollow Rd.
8-9 a.m.
Fourth Saturday of the month
New Bethel A.M.E Church Food Pantry (Second Harvest Partner)
6496 Ashville Hwy.
7-8 a.m. or until food is gone
Fourth Saturday of the month
Joint effort of Mt. Pleasant A.M.E, Elizabeth M.B, Hickory Hill M.B. and Philadelphia M.B. Churches
Tiger Food Pantry
50 David Rd, Jefferson K-12 School
Open to students, teachers and community
Use orderahead.org for pick up Thursdays 12:30-5:30 p.m.
About National Food
Bank Week
According to the National Day Calendar, National Food Bank Week is observed during the second week of October as a time to hold food drives and bring awareness to the narrow line between a full cupboard and empty one. It also honors the volunteers, donors and the dedicated folks who make food banks possible.
In 1987, President Reagan proclaimed the week of November 8-14, 1987, as National Food Bank Week. This was a one-time declaration, but for four years following this proclamation, food banks across the country observed the second full week of November with food and awareness drives.
Then in 1992, Second Harvest Food Bank launched National Food Bank Week in conjunction with World Food Day on Oct. 16, which was first established in 1979 in celebration of the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on Oct. 16, 1945.
