Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Life happens and, sometimes, it gets hard to make ends meet. Especially with the rising cost of food, families have found it increasingly difficult to put meals on the table. In March 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an increase of 8.8 percent in food costs. This was a 5.3 percent increase from the reported 3.5 percent cost in March 2021. Last year didn't find much change in the food cost, though, as there was only a 0.3 percent decrease from 8.8 percent to 8.5 percent in March 2023.
In addition, unemployment remains an issue, as the BLS reported only a 0.1 percent decrease in the national unemployment rate from 3.6 percent in March 2022. Still, this brings hope to many, as 2022's rate was a 3.5 decrease in unemployment compared to March 2021's findings of 6.1 percent – families are beginning to regain their footing.
However, both factors have made it difficult for many to provide for their families. In times such as these, it helps to know many churches and organizations in the area have ministries that provide non-perishable items to families in need. Here are a few of the ministries and food pantries available in the tri-county area:
Hamilton County
Jasper Little Free Food Pantry
1153 US Hwy 41, Jasper, Fla.
Take what you need, leave what you can.
Lafayette County
Mayo Blessing Box
311 NE Crawford St., Mayo, Fla.
Take what you need, leave what you can.
Seven Gables Food Pantry
857 E Main St., Mayo, Fla.
Food distribution every third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Suwannee County
Branford Blessing Box
502 SW Suwannee Ave., Branford, Fla.
Take what you need, leave what you can.
Christ Central Ministries
15445 US 129, Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution every first and third Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Evergreen Baptist Church of God
2509 224 St., Lake City, Fla.
Food distribution every third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Live Oak in partnership with Love, INC.
401 W Howard St., Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution every Monday and Wednesday from 9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Gethsemane Church of God in Christ
1018 Duval St. NE, Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution every third Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m.
Lebanon Baptist Church in partnership
with Children's Table Bus
6114 280th St., Branford, Fla.
Food distribution every second Wednesday of
the month at 4 p.m.
A $7 donation is requested. Bring your own basket.
Live Oak African Baptist Church
502 Walker Ave., Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution every third Friday of each month at 9 a.m.
Live Oak Blessing Box
915 Nobles Ferry Rd., Live Oak, Fla.
Take what you need, leave what you can.
Love, INC.
120 Ohio Ave. N, Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution Monday through Thursday
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church
18305 56th St., Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution every second and fourth
Saturday of each month from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
One monthly visit per person.
O'Brien Baptist Church
9544 E CR 349, O'Brien, Fla.
Food distribution every third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
San Juan Mission Catholic Church
304 Plant St., Branford, Fla.
Food distribution every third Friday of each
month at 9 a.m., while supplies last.
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
928 E Howard St., Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution every third Wednesday of
each month at 9:30 a.m., while supplies last.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
401 W Howard St., Live Oak, Fla.
Food distribution every Monday and
Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Worship Center
22880 SR 247, Lake City, Fla.
Food distribution every second and fourth
Thursday of each month at 3 p.m.
If you know of a food pantry that isn't listed, reach out to Danny Federico at reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com or at (386) 364-4141 with the location and operation hours.