LEON COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of families in Leon County got extra help putting food on the table during a Farm Share food distribution in Tallahassee supported by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, as organizers said the need for assistance remains high.

As families drove through the distribution, one attendee thanked volunteers, saying, “But thank y’all for what y’all do. I appreciate this.”

Undersheriff Argatha Gilmore said conversations with people in line highlighted the financial strain many households are facing. “There was one of our guests who came to take part of what we have here today and she said to me, by the time I finish my Social Security funds that come in, by the time I buy food, by the time I pay bills, by the time I get my medication, I have nothing left,” Gilmore said.

Farm Share brought more than 22,500 pounds of food, enough to serve between 300 and 500 households. John Fair, a Farm Share events coordinator, said demand remains significant. “So, the need is very high. We have a big food insecurity problem. Families being on SSI, SNAP and larger households, they need access to nutritional food,” Fair said.

Families left with items including fresh milk, fruit, chicken and beans, which Farm Share said can help them put together complete meals.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office said the timing of the distribution was intentional because families are also facing back-to-school expenses now that the school year is underway. Undersheriff Ron Cave said costs for supplies and clothing can strain budgets, making food assistance especially important.

“There’s a lot of outflow of money going out, trying to prepare for school, buying school supplies, buying clothes. Food is obviously critically important to survival and so having the timing is important and that’s one of the reasons we do it right after school starts,” Cave said.

Beyond the food itself, the sheriff’s office said events like this also give deputies a chance to connect with residents outside of emergency calls and build relationships in the community. “So, we believe that obviously serving our community is paramount to what we do. It’s not just about us responding to the service, building these relationships.” Cave said.

Gilmore said the agency views the effort as part of a broader commitment to the people it serves. “Those folks out there in our community who need our help and listen, this is our family. Not only we have an LCSO family, but we have a community family as well,” she said.

Both the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Farm Share said their partnership will continue as they work to bring food and other resources directly to families who need them.