The United Way of Monroe County Board has voted to help fund an Upper Keys food bank as part of a shift in meeting critical community needs.

“The board determined it was time to start the process of a human care network committed to assisting the local community,” Nicki Will, Chief Governance Officer, said.  As part of that, the board approved a name change and has adopted as its mission playing a lead role in helping community organizations identify and serve those most in need.

United Way of the Florida Keys – Leader in Community Caring helps identify who we are and who we want to help, Will said.

That decision could not have come at a better time, according to the Rev. Kerry Foote, Pastor for Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. His Tavernier church operates a critical food pantry and hot meal program serving the needs of the Upper Keys.

Volunteers from the community along with members of the congregation assist in the program, which has seen a significant increase in need, especially from families where a parent has lost a job or experienced some financial setbacks.“The United Way’s generous grant of $10,000.00 will go a long way in ensuring Burton will continue to be present in this community to help people with the basic need of food for their families,” the Rev. Foote said. “We are pleased to be partnering with the United Way.”     

   Will, CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center, said food is a basic human need and makes a big difference in the health of adults as well as children.Although the Keys population is small, demographics create major challenges, made more difficult by the geography. Various locations are needed to provide services throughout the 100-mile-long chain of islands.It’s a challenge, Will said. United Way of the Florida Keys would like to have a human care network where agencies will work together through the United Way to make the most of resources.

“It’s our goal,” said Nicki Will. “The United Way Board wants to work with its agencies on decreasing duplication so money can be directed to those most in need,” she said.If you would like to get involved or learn more about United Way’s human care network, call Margie Smith at 305 735-1WAY.