Help Fight Hunger for Keys Children who Depend on Food Provided at School
On June 21, 2021, United Ways around the world will hold a Day of Service to inform and engage individuals in virtual, remote, and in-person volunteer activities that keep everyone healthy and safe and help meet community needs. UWCK's Day of Service is addressing the needs of children who go hungry in the summer when school is out and parents are not able to provide sufficient food during break. 43% of Monroe County children are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program, so there are many children who rely on school meals for their basic needs.
To help meet this need, please donate one or more bag(s) of child-friendly foods to a local food pantry. Donations can be made any time, but we encourage taking them on or around June 21, to help provide food for most of the summer.
Patricipating food pantries include:
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Key West: Loaves and Fish Pantry, 2221 Patterson Ave, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 9am to 4pm
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Stock Island: SOS Pantry, 5640 Maloney Ave, Monday & Thursday, 8am - 6pm; Tues & Wednesday, 8am - 3:30pm
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Marathon: KAIR Pantry, 3010 Overseas Highway, any day between 8:30am and 5pm, ring the doorbell if door is locked
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Tavernier: Burton Memorial Pantry, 93001 Overseas Hwy, Monday & Wednesday, 9am to noon; Tuesday & Thursday, 5-7pm
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Key Largo: SOS at St Justin's Pantry, 105500 Overseas Hwy, Monday, 2-5pm
Child-friendly foods are easy to prepare, do not require refrigeration, and include suggestions such as:
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shelf stable milk
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100% fruit juice
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granola and breakfast bars
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sandwich cracker packs
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popcorn, pretzels, crackers, goldfish
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peanut butter, jelly and bread
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shelf-stable microwavable meals
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hot or cold cereal, preferably not sugary
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pasta and soups in single use portions
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dried fruits
