By Anna McKay
When was the last time you wondered when or where your next meal would come from? For many children in Bay County, hunger is more than a temporary discomfort — it dominates their lives. In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and with working hours lost to the pandemic, it’s likely that numbers are higher than the 22.3% food insecurity rate for children reported by Feeding America for Bay County in 2018. Food insecurity can show up in a number of ways in everyday routines. For example, children may struggle to pay attention in school and develop neurological deficits which can lead to a lower IQ, and not retain information learned in classrooms. Aside from educational hindrances, malnourishment can also stunt physical growth, cause behavioral issues, and lead to life-threatening illnesses.
Food4Kidz is a local 501 (c) organization whose mission is to help struggling families by utilizing food agency partnerships to stock a full-service food bank with everyday groceries free of charge. They deliver food to families in the area via private appointments for families that may have a transportation challenge and are unable to shop in their neighborhood. Everything is done in a confidential manner to protect the dignity of the parents and children. They also have centralized, mobile food pantries at churches and schools around town. Groceries include meats, fresh produce, dairy items, baby food, and canned goods to fully equip families to prepare a well-balanced meal. Local businesses including, but not limited to St. Joe Community Foundation, Mike’s Diner, J Michael’s, Daystar Cleaning, Greg’s Roofing, Bill Cramer Chevrolet, The Sleep Center, Gulfview United Methodist Church and Tricked Out Car Club all help host or finance community efforts that Food4Kidz needs to survive as a non-profit.
The bottom line is that children who don’t have a choice, don’t have a voice. Whether or not their adult caretakers are “sincerely needy” or not is an entirely separate issue for the children that are considered food-insecure in the Panama City area. With just a $10 donation, you can provide 10 meals for a child through their program. $100 can feed an entire family for a month. Food4Kidz believes that nutrition fuels happy and healthy hearts. As a registered non-profit charity in the state of Florida, your contributions are fully tax-deductible. While financial assistance is what funds the organization’s operations, product or services donations are humbly accepted as well. Donations will go towards food costs, building rentals and utility bills, transportation costs, and equipment rentals. Food4Kidz also frequently allows volunteers to host events or opportunities for civic engagement groups at churches, schools, businesses, and any individuals that would like to make a real difference in the lives of children. Featured needs are frequently updated on their website for anyone that would like to consider donating grocery items that are needed the most. This is also where you can find local business drop-off sites to volunteer your time in a COVID-safe way.
Community support is the only thing that can help solve this crisis. To find out more information on how to get involved and where your dollar can make the most impact, visit: www.Food4Kidz.org.
