How Charlotte County residents can help neighbors facing hunger
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
Now that summer is underway, many of the routines families rely on for food support have changed. For thousands of Florida families, the question isn't what's for dinner, it's whether there will be enough food on the table at all.
At United Way Charlotte County, we are seeing more people walk through our doors with complex needs, and one issue comes up almost every time: food. Much like the days following a hurricane, families need immediate assistance to bridge the gap.
As grocery prices continue to rise, families across our state are facing impossible choices. According to No Kid Hungry Florida, 72% of Floridian families report having to choose between buying enough nutritious food and paying for essentials such as rent, utilities, gas, healthcare, and transportation.
Behind every statistic is a family doing everything they can to make ends meet. It's the parent who quietly skips dinner so there is enough for the children. It's the senior deciding whether to fill a prescription or buy groceries. It's the family hoping their paycheck stretches for just one more week.
Summer often makes these challenges even harder. When school is out, many children lose access to regular school meals, placing additional strain on already stretched household budgets.
The good news is that help is available—and our community can be part of the solution.
If you or someone you know is struggling to access food, call 211. United Way's 211 Helpline connects residents with local food pantries, meal programs, and other community resources.
Families can also take advantage of the CHAMPS Summer Feeding Program, which provides free meals for children throughout Charlotte County in a multitude of ways.
For those able to help, there are several ways to make a meaningful impact.
A financial donation or grocery gift card to United Way Charlotte County can make an immediate difference for a family facing an unexpected hardship. A gift card may seem simple, but for a family worried about their next meal, it provides both nourishment and peace of mind.
Summer is also an important time to stock local school pantries before students return to campus. A donation of non-perishable food today helps ensure support is available from the first day of school.
Just as importantly, share information. Tell a friend about 211. Share CHAMPS meal locations. Sometimes connecting a neighbor or family member to resources can be as valuable as making a donation.
Food insecurity is not always visible. It affects working families, seniors, children, and neighbors who may never ask for help.
This summer, you can help change that story. Make a donation. Drop off food. Share information. Volunteer. Every action helps ensure a child has breakfast, a senior has groceries, or a family has one less burden to carry.
Because no one in our community should have to choose between feeding their family and paying the electric bill.
To learn more about how to access resources or take action, please visit www.unitedwayccfl.org/facinghunger
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer at director@unitedwayccfl.org.
Five Simple Ways to Help a Neighbor Facing Hunger
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Donate funds to United Way Charlotte County to help families facing temporary hardships.
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Drop off grocery gift cards or non-perishable food items at United Way Charlotte County to help stock local school pantries.
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Support your local food pantry through food donations or volunteer service.
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Share 211 with friends, neighbors, and co-workers who may need help accessing food and other resources.
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Volunteer with United Way Charlotte County and help connect families to critical support services.