Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
According to the USDA, nearly 14 million, or one in five children in the United States experienced food insecurity in 2023. Not knowing where one's next meal will come from has significant consequences emotionally and physically, leading to possible developmental impacts, negatively affected academic performance and increased risk of health problems. Statistics provided by Feeding America indicate that in 2023, about 2,450 Jefferson County residents, or 16.6% of the county's population, faced food insecurity. The specific rate for children was even higher, at 27.1%.
Time off school for the holidays usually means a carefree break from academic activity for some children, but for others, it means forgoing the meals they need at school. To help bridge this gap over Thanksgiving, local sponsors in Jefferson County are driving to fight hunger at home. This drive is also occurring during the ongoing government shutdown, during which many families that face food insecurity have been unable to receive SNAP benefits.
Through Nov. 18, donations of nonperishable food items from individuals and organizations are being accepted at at least 13 donation box locations across the county during regular business hours. The donated goods will benefit the families of students of Jefferson County K-12 (JCS) who have identified themselves as needing assistance. Local sponsors for the drive include the Jefferson County School Board, Superintendent Jackie Pons, State Representative Allison Tant, Commissioner Austin Hosford, Commissioner Jessica Gramling, Councilman Brian Bachman, Sheriff Mac McNeill and Clerk of Courts Trey Hightower.
On Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., an event to raise awareness for the drive was held at CowHaus Coffee Company. Local elected officials, community partners and sponsors, including Rep. Tant and her team, gathered to donate goods to the drive. The goods received at the event will be sorted and bagged by volunteers to prepare for distribution.
JCS students facing food insecurity should inform the school of their status to ensure that they and their families have the opportunity to benefit from the drive. The last day donations will be accepted is Nov. 18. Afterward, the goods will be distributed to the eligible students and their families at JCS on Nov. 20.
For more information, contact Assistant Partnership School Director Tosca Williams at 850-242-3470.
Food donation box locations:
• CowHaus Coffee Company (100 N. Jefferson St.)
• Jefferson County K-12 School (50 David Rd.)
• Jefferson County Tax Collector's Office (500 W. Walnut St.)
• Jefferson County School District Office (1490 W. Washington St.)
• Wacissa Christian Church (14492 Waukeenah Hwy.)
• Big Bend Transit Monticello Office (615 N. Jefferson St.)
• Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (171 Industrial park)
• Tupelo's Bakery & Cafe (220 W. Washington St.)
• My Gypsy Soul Boutique (8793 Old Lloyd Rd.)
• Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce (420 W. Washington St.)
• Christ Church Monticello (425 N. Cherry St.)
• First Methodist Church Monticello (325 Walnut St.)
• First Baptist Church of Lloyd (124 St. Louis St.)