County Reaffirms Support to Supply Food to Residents

Published on: May 19, 2020

Photo/Interview opportunities

CAPTION: Commissioner Brandon Arrington, above, has been personally involved in food distribution at the St. Rose of Lima in Poinciana. The food pantry is one of a dozen that is receiving funding from Osceola County to provide assistance to Osceola County residents in their battle against food insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

WHO: County Commissioner Brandon Arrington, officials from St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry, Osceola REDI and other guests.

WHAT: Reporters and photo/video crews can learn more about the County’s efforts to help local non-profit food pantries in their effort to assist residents.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in food insecurity for many Osceola County residents, who have lost jobs or faced furloughs or reduced work hours. Last month, the County provided gap funding to more than a dozen of our local food pantries to address the shortage of resources. These non-profits have assisted thousands of residents during this difficult time. Originally funded for three weeks, that time has passed, and with the needs of our residents continuing, we again are funding these non-profits to support the community. The list of food pantries receiving funds can be found at Osceola.org/COVID19.

As the need will continue, the County is partnering with Osceola REDI (Recovery from Emergency Disaster Initiative), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in a fundraising effort to assist food pantries called “Feed Osceola.” More information is available at http://osceolaredi.org/feed-osceola/.

***The organization has set a fund-raising goal of $100,000. As a courtesy, a release for that effort is attached to this advisory.***

WHEN: TODAY (May, 19, 2020) 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: 1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, Florida 34741.