Food for Families

"For when I was hungry, you gave me something to eat."

The Food for Families program was launched as part of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative.

Established during an economically difficult time for communities, Food for Families ensures that families have adequate access to nutritious food.

Although the economy may have improved in some areas, many families still need food assistance. In fact, some councils have seen families who previously donated to food pantries more recently come to the same pantries to receive donations.

Since its launch in 2009, Food for Families has expanded significantly. In 2015, Knights collected more than 11.4 million pounds of food and $7.2 million in donations for soup kitchens and other food programs.

In addition, Food for Families has seen the formation of several innovative programs at the grassroots level. For instance, local councils started the 40 Cans for Lent food drives. The program encourages council members and parishioners to contribute one can of nonperishable food per day for the duration of Lent. These projects, and hundreds more, provided by local councils in Florida have done wonders to keep food banks stocked and serviceable. Since its Inception, there has been increased council outreach to food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens. Although food donations are valuable, food bank managers often say that contributions of money are even more valuable, as they allow the food bank to procure exactly the food items that they need. In addition to monetary donations, volunteer support may be provided to help sort food and perform other valuable functions. "Whether at home or abroad, charity is our Order's first principle and the basis for all we do as brother Knights. It is the tangible way that we live out that spirit of fraternity and "missionary discipleship" to which Pope Francis has called us." - Supreme Knight Carl Anderson

To help feed families Donate now to Florida KofC Charities Food for Families Programs.