By Patricia Lee, Owner – www.Destinites.com
In our Facebook locals group, Destinites (www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites), one member recently expressed concern for people who rely on SNAP and other assistance programs. These programs are in danger of being suspended due to the government shutdown. Those who need help must know where to turn. Below is the post that was shared in our group and some of the responses it received.
POST:
How to help those who need help.
SNAP benefits and other programs are about to be shut off and not accessible for a portion of our community that relies on them and needs them. I’m looking for ways in which those who are able and willing to help, can.
Are there reputable food banks, charities, or anything else in the community for people who want to make sure that everyone is continuing to be able to feed their families during this time?
Member Responses:
- Harvest House’s new location is 114 Palmetto St., Suite 1, Destin, FL 32541. Donations are accepted Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Applicants are vetted.
- The Open Door Food Pantry at Bay Baptist Church on 331 South gives away food on Saturdays beginning at 9 a.m. They take donations throughout the week—call for hours.
- Harvest House is good but only serves Destin unless that has changed. Sharing & Caring is another, but takes a little paperwork, and Catholic Charities is great for fitting various needs. Many churches offer easy grocery pickups throughout the week.
- Village Baptist Church has a food pantry and clothes closet open every Wednesday, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
- Reach out to Food For Thought and Destin Harvest.
- Emerald Coast Food Rescue! They supply food to many organizations that then distribute it to those in need.
- I would love to see Walmart, Publix, and Winn-Dixie come up with a plan to help out short-term!
- Tuesday at the Church of Christ on Beach Drive, Destin, at 12 noon. Be in line early and get some groceries.
- You might check with local schools to see if anyone has lunch accounts that need to be paid off or added to, or if donations are needed for snacks or meals to send home with select kids.
Lots of times, these are the kids who are missed in programs because parents didn’t apply or qualify for free breakfast/lunch even though they need it. Not sure if the “backpack of food” program that sends food home weekly with kids will still continue during the shutdown?
- Compass Resorts is currently doing a food drive for Sharing & Caring’s food bank in Niceville. It runs until Friday. Drop-off locations are at Palms of Destin, Silver Beach Towers, and Silver Shells.
- Dollar Tree Dinners: Is there a location a group of us could meet or have donations brought so we could make this happen?
- At Niceville Catholic Outreach (1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville), we help people daily. Food is always needed. We don’t ask about circumstances, religion or political beliefs. Please feel free to reach out to me if you’re interested in donating to our charity.
- Path of Grace has food they can share.
- Catholic Charities.
If you are a Destin resident or in the surrounding area, I invite you to join our private, targeted group for locals and property owners at Facebook.com/groups/Destinites, which now has 12,100+ members (est. Oct. 2018). Check out our local business directory at Destinites.com, where more than 500 local businesses are already listed—and enjoy advertising in our targeted community group.
