Local partnerships have formed to address the need of providing food to students in Marion County during the school closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
United Way of Marion County, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County School Board, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Team and Marion County Community Services are working together to ensure the 2,000 students who typically rely on the Interfaith’s Food 4 Kids program during the school day are fed over the weekend during the closure.
There is an emergency need to fill the Interfaith Food Pantry with items for these students, as their supply is dwindling. The City of Ocala has approved a drive-thru food drive on the downtown square on Wednesday, March 25th, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The following items are needed in order to fill 4,000 bags to provide food to students until Sunday, March 29: Apple Sauce, Mac & Cheese, Pop Tarts, Ramen Noodles, Vienna Sausages, Canned Tuna or Chicken, Pudding Cups, Oatmeal, Canned Pasta Meals, Crackers, Canned Corn or Green Beans, Fruit Snacks with Vitamin C and Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Monetary contributions also are encouraged to help support this effort, as a $10 gift can provide food for one child for the weekend. Donations can be sent to the Interfaith Emergency Services Food for Kids Program at P.O. Box 992, Ocala, FL 34478. Visit www.marionschools.net for additional information.