HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-123RESOLUTION NO. 11-123
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE HARVEST FOOD & OUTREACH
CENTER AND PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 13-19, 2011
AS "NATIONALHUNGERAND HOMELESSAWARENESSWEEK" IN ST.
LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the following
determinations:
1. Harvest Food & Outreach Center, located on Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, was founded in 2003
by Austin and Ginny Hunt. Ginny and Austin grew up on the Treasure Coast and both experienced the realities
of growing up in homes that struggled financially. It was this journey of faith through life's challenges that
gave them the passion to help those in need with basic necessities by lending an outstretched hand during times
of crisis, as well as compassionate navigation towards a bright future of hope and stability. Austin, Ginny and
the Harvest Food & Outreach team implemented an innovative food assistance program to financially assist the
working poor on the Treasure Coast.
2. In 2006 Harvest Food & Outreach Center opened an additional 18,000 square foot facility in
St. Lucie County which is currently serving over 500 families per day. This campus has the facilities needed to
further develop the organization's programs aimed at helping those facing homelessness stay off the streets,
those needing crisis intervention get with their basic needs met and get back on their feet, help children and
families who are uninsured and need medical assistance, get families the skills and information they need to
find employment opportunities, and most importantly give people hope to break free from the crisis of poverty.
This campus now houses the Florida Department of Children and Families Access Center, as well as offering a
unique one stop program for families in need.
The Harvest Food & Outreach Center has four proven programs.
• The Cost Share Grocery Program serves families who fall at 200% of the Federal
Poverty level or below. Clients receive a membership card (free of charge) which
allows them to utilize this program. Over 95% of the food available through this
program is purchased by Harvest Food and Outreach Center. Clients make a
contribution toward the cost of the food which offsets the cost of fuel and handling.
• The Crisis Program is for clients facing crisis situations. Eligible clients meet with Crisis
Center staff who evaluate and address their immediate needs, provide them access to
emergency food, housing referrals and casework services. All clients must complete
an in-person intake with staff.
• Educational opportunities through classes and groups are offered to the general public,
free of charge. Topics include: Money Management, Nutrition, Computer Literacy and
Healthy Relationships. Classes are facilitated by staff, local agencies and volunteers
with specific expertise. The Passport to Prosperity and Summer Read & Feed Programs
are targeted to long term programs for adults and children.
• In collaboration with Workforce Solutions, Harvest Food & Outreach Center offers WF
"Welfare Transition Program" clients an opportunity to exit the welfare system and
gain employment and job readiness skills as well as life skills in conjunction with the
Passport to Prosperity Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida:
1. This Board adopts this resolution in recognition and appreciation of the Harvest Food and
Outreach Center of St. Lucie County who have dedicated their valuable time and resources to help those in need
to transform their lives by providing food, crisis care, opportunities for education and employment, and a hand
up to families, individuals and children who are fighting to break the cycle of poverty.
2. This Board does hereby proclaim the week of November 13-19, 2011, as "NATIONAL HUNGER
AND HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK" in St. Lucie County, Florida.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 1st day of November 2011.
ATTEST: BOARD CO TY CO I IONERS
ST. CIE C NTY, F RI
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DEPUTY CLERK ,=~~, "~ ; - .j;,` HAI
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COUNTY ATTOR