Expanding access through schools<\/p>\n
The initiative will strengthen pantry infrastructure and help schools respond to families experiencing food insecurity.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo student should have to worry about where their next meal will come from,\u201d said Debi Pedraza, executive director of the Foundation for OCPS.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis generous investment from the Florida Blue Foundation will help us strengthen school-based food pantries so more families can access healthy food through a place they already know and trust,\u201d Pedraza said.<\/p>\n
The announcement did not identify participating schools, specify how many families the grant will serve or provide a timeline for the improvements.<\/p>\n
Part of a statewide investment<\/p>\n
The Foundation for OCPS is one of eight nonprofit organizations included in the Florida Blue Foundation\u2019s September announcement of $3.1 million in grants for community-based food initiatives across Florida.<\/p>\n
The grants address food insecurity and its connection to health, according to the announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cHunger and chronic disease are deeply connected, and we know when we invest in food access, we invest in health,\u201d said Susan Towler, vice president of corporate social responsibility and Florida Blue Foundation.<\/p>\n
Established in 1987, the Foundation for OCPS supports student essentials, academic programs, arts, athletics and other district needs.<\/p>\n
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