Second annual organic food drive in New Port Richey to collect quality food for less fortunate neighbors

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL (Dec. 2nd, 2016) – In the spirit of the holidays, Friendship Farms & Fare along with Ecology Florida is sponsoring the second annual organic food drive in New Port Richey. Organizers are asking for contributions of certified USDA organic food in cans and boxes for distribution to low-income and less fortunate families in the area. These two nonprofit charitable organizations are leading a coalition of ecological and community-sustaining organizations to promote this one-of-a-kind project.

Other groups are welcome to participate. See contact information, below. This holiday food drive will run through December 18, with periodic distribution events to be scheduled near Thanksgiving and during the December Holiday Season.

Locations in West Pasco have offered to collect the food. They are Rose’s Bistroon Grand Boulevard (6238 Grand Blvd., NPR), Bank & Main Café (6322 Bank St.NPR), Wright’s Nutrients (6630 US Hwy. 19, NPR), Gill Dawg (5419 Treadway Dr., PR) and Habitat for Humanity (4131 Madison St., NPR).

The newest location just added is: Tapas Gastro Lounge, 6404 Ridge Rd., Port Richey.

Organizers for the food drive are requesting only USDA certified organic food in cans or boxes – no produce or perishables. Each is a participating business of local ecological and sustainable organizations. Also, joining Friendship Farms & Fare and Ecology Florida is Grand Gardens and East Madison Gardens.

Judging from the content of many collection containers, too often food shared in support of the less fortunate is of low quality, highly processed, perhaps unhealthy, likely genetically modified, and almost never organic. Why not give the best to those in greatest need?

“Why give poor food to folks reaching out for sustenance?  Why not express our care, compassion, and kindness in a thoughtful manner, by taking just a little time to find high-quality, nutritious organic food to share with those who would most benefit? Why not, indeed?,” said Dell deChant, a board member of Ecology Florida.

His goal is to make an immediate and gratifying change in the way we think about those we help by sharing healthy, nutritious, and good food with persons in need of good nutrition. Ecology Florida asks all participating members and the general public to join them by dropping off food or sending in contribution to help the cause.

Monetary contributions for the organic food drive may be sent to:  Ecology Florida, PO Box 596, New Port Richey, FL 34656-0596.  Donations can also be accepted through the Ecology Florida PayPal platform.  See the donate button on the Ecology Florida website:  www.EcologyFlorida.org .

All resources received for this event are tax-deductible and will be used exclusively to purchase food for the organic food drive. Any financial support to cover cost of materials, supplies, and transportation is also greatly appreciated. Checks may be made out to Ecology Florida (a 501 C 3, not-for-profit organization).

For more information about the organic food drive, call Sylvia Spencer at (407) 232-2125.