Food insecurity is very real for many within the community, and when you add the holidays, the stress can pile up. According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and local meal programs, 1 in 7 Floridians are facing hunger, with 1 in 5 of those being children. There are many factors that contribute to this statistic, including job losses and other income-related issues, health decline and medical conditions. While this is something that weighs on many hearts, it is also an area where many in the local community step up and see it as a call to action to help those around them.

Helping others can look different to different people, from donating funds to bringing in nonperishable food items, donating gift cards from local grocery stores or donating your time to help the businesses and organizations in your backyard reach everyone they can.

One local organization that receives a great deal of support from the community is Lake Cares Food Pantry. Lake Cares is an independent community food pantry that serves the residents of Lake County. They are governed by a board of directors and depend on the kindness of individuals, businesses and churches in the area.

Kelsey Gonzalez, executive director for Lake Cares, credits the community for the success they have seen helping those in need.

“We wouldn’t survive if not for the generosity and time those in this community provide,” she says. “They are the hands and feet of our organization. So many in this area have wrapped their arms around us and support our mission, which allows us to keep our administrative costs low.”

In 2024 alone, Lake Cares served more than 71,000 individuals in Lake County. This holiday season they will provide meals for 625 local families. Each family will receive a complete meal along with a $15 gift card to Publix. Kelsey said Lake Cares is more than just a place for people to receive food, but also a place where they are met with kindness and people who want to help them in ways that will allow them to get back on their feet.

ERA Grizzard Real Estate is one of many local businesses that volunteer with and support Lake Cares.

“We make community outreach and support a big part of our business plan,” said Gus Grizzard, broker and owner for ERA Grizzard. “Not only does it provide an opportunity to give back to the communities that have supported our business, but it also strengthens the bonds and relationships within our company.”

The company’s offices in Leesburg, Mount Dora and Clermont are all drop-off points for donations.

Independent business owners are also stepping up to fill the need this holiday season as well. One such local business in downtown Leesburg is Your Health First Primary Care & Aesthetics, owned by Amanda Eason. They are collecting food and monetary donations at their location, 109 Orange Ave. in Leesburg, to provide Thanksgiving meals.

“We believe that as a business rooted here, our responsibility is to the entire community,” Amanda says. “It is both our goal and our privilege to help however we can, and we are blessed beyond measure to be able to provide Thanksgiving meals for our neighbors who are less fortunate this holiday season.”

The holidays can be stressful for many people, and when you add the pressure of being able to provide food for your family, many may feel defeated. But with such generosity in this area, people now have hope.