Yesterday’s Project Share food distribution in Pierson was our most challenging ever. Due to the government shutdown, the amount of food we received was drastically reduced—leaving us unable to serve everyone who came.
Nearly 600 families showed up. We had 455 small boxes to give out, along with a limited supply of meat and other items. Despite our best efforts to stretch what we had, at least 30 families left empty-handed.
For over a decade, Project Share has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to host monthly “mobile food drops” for food-insecure families in Pierson. Helping hands to get the job done come from Pierson Methodist Church, San Jose Catholic Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and various community groups including Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. Typically, we’re able to offer generous portions of meat, fresh produce, and pantry staples. Yesterday was heartbreakingly different.
Several volunteers shared how difficult it was to offer so much less than usual. Many have come to know the families who return month after month—elderly neighbors, young parents, agricultural workers, minimum-wage earners, and others doing their best to get by.
“What are these people going to eat this month?” one volunteer asked.
And yet, despite the shortage, not a single recipient complained. There were no harsh words, no frustration—only grace.
“I was really touched by how nice everyone was,” said one veteran volunteer. “It was all ‘thank you’ and ‘God bless you.’”
We are hopeful that next month brings better news—and that the government programs supporting our most vulnerable neighbors are restored. We will be back in Pierson on Wednesday December 10 at 165 Emporia Rd. (9:30 – 2:30). Please consider joining us.