Farm Share Free Food Distribution Farm Share was established in 1991 as a means to eliminate food waste. The organization partners with local service establishments, churches and community outreach programs to feed the public free of charge, with no income restrictions. Farm Share events are terrific volunteer opportunities, especially for students looking for community hours. The events are drivethru to accommodate patrons staying in their car.
COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH A helping hand when you need it most
by Stephanie Thompson
If you know a Veteran, Servicemember, or any other person who may be in need of fresh food—including you and your family—make a stop at one of the many Farm Share distribution locations across The Liberty Coast this month. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 3 - Faithbridge Church, 13720 McCormick Rd., East Arlington - 1859 Kings Rd., Mid-Westside 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 9 - Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, 10325 Interstate Center Dr., Northside - Grace Baptist Church, East 21st Street at Bennett Street, Longbranch 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 - 11065 Fort Caroline Rd., Holly Oaks 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 10 - 737 Jessie St., Eastside - St. Stephen AME Church, 913 W. Fifth St., Hogan’s Creek 8:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 - American Legion Post 250, 3939 C.R. 218, Middleburg 8-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 - NE Fla. Women Veterans, 103 Century 21 Dr., Arlington 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 15 - Legacy Ministries, 825 University Blvd. N., Arlington 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 - First Baptist Church, 45090 Green Ave., Callahan 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 17 - Community Health Outreach, 5126 Timuquana Rd., Wesconnet 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 - Wilkinson Jr. High, 5025 C.R. 218, Middleburg 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 - Hopewell, 3990 Loretto Rd., Mandarin 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 24 - St. Johns River State College, 5001 St. Johns Ave., Palatka 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 29 - Legacy Ministries, 825 University Blvd. N., Arlington 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31 - Julington Baptist Church, 12740 Snyder St., Jacksonville To learn more about Farm Share, call (305)246-3276 or visit FarmShare.org.
06 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8
Photo provided by Virginia Pillsbury
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esidents on The Liberty Coast—like several communities throughout the country—have experienced momentous career, lifestyle and familial changes as a result of COVID-19. Small business owners have lost their livelihoods, teenagers have had to step in and help provide for their families, and many loved ones are no longer with us. Some days are a struggle, but one local organization is working to ensure everyone who walks through its doors is met with love, healing and support. Just west of the Ortega River, along Timuquana Road, sits Community Health Outreach (CHO). Since 1988, this local nonprofit has been serving seniors, military, Veterans, and families. Their services include: 1. Dental and medical clinics free for those who are uninsured or with low to no income 2. A baby supply center— Baby LUV—that offers free pregnancy testing and counseling 3. A food pantry that offers Photo provided by Virginia Pillsbury free food on a first-come, firstserved basis Baby LUV offers many other items, in addition to the above. Families can visit once per month and take 12 items of clothing (newborn to age 12), one big baby item, two pairs of shoes, unlimited books and toys, 50 diapers per baby, wipes, and baby formula. They have an ongoing diaper drive—Miles of Diapers—every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The food pantry is a drive-thru service open to all from 9-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Pre-COVID, the food pantry was serving 300 cars per week. Now the weekly number is between 600-700. Many Veterans and active-duty Servicemembers utilize this service. “Our food pantry is run by two Vietnam Veterans,” shared Virginia Pillsbury, the director of Community Health Outreach. “They could be just enjoying retired life, and they choose to continue to serve.” As a way to show their appreciation, the organization hired the Veterans, Charles Green and Rick DuMiller, to be on staff. “We felt like for all the work they did, their loyalty and dedication to the mission, that they need to get paid,” Pillsbury said. CHO, in partnership with Farm Share, will be hosting a Truck to Trunk distribution event on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or until the food runs out. The event is open to all and will be located across the street from CHO at St Peter’s Church. In addition to Truck to Trunk, there will be a job fair with several agencies looking to hire. “We’re always happy to give a tour because to see us in action is an amazing thing. It says way more than my words can express,” Pillsbury said. Aside from receiving services, everyone is invited to become a part of the mission. As Pillsbury explains, the need for CHO’s services continues to grow during the pandemic, but funding does not. The organization welcomes volunteers throughout the year. To learn more about CHO, the Truck to Trunk event, or to inquire about volunteer or donation opportunities, visit CHOJax.org or call (904) 573-1333.
