Help Us Bring Summer EBT to Florida!

We are continuing our efforts to raise awareness and advocate for Summer EBT, a crucial federal program designed to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer months. Recently, we created a flyer to share with community members, informing them about this important program and its benefits.

What is Summer EBT?

Summer EBT is a new federal program that provides $120 for each eligible child to help families purchase food during the summer when school meals are not available. Importantly, children who receive Summer EBT benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs. Plus, receiving these benefits will not affect the immigration status of children or families.

Why is this important for Florida?

Unfortunately, Florida is one of 14 states that opted out of receiving this benefit for 2024, meaning our state is turning down $259 million in nutrition assistance that could help nearly 3 million children in need. By opting out, Florida is missing an opportunity to not only support families but also provide a significant boost to our state’s economy, helping local businesses and food systems thrive.

Although Summer Break Spot is available, it only reaches 1 in 5 children in need. Summer EBT would help bridge the summer hunger gap, providing more children and families with the food they need during the school break.

What can you do to help?

We need your voice to make a difference! You can take action in several ways:

Send a letter to DCF urging them to administer Summer EBT for 2025. You can either draft your own letter or use the template we've created.

Feed Florida's Children

Contact your elected officials and ask them to support bringing Summer EBT to Florida. Let them know how important this program is for families and children in our state.

Tell Florida Lawmakers to Approve Summer EBT for 2025!

Stay informed: For more details on the program and to get updates on our advocacy efforts, visit us at Florida Impact. You can also follow us on our social media platforms for the latest news and action alerts.

In-Person Listening Session

If you're in Orange County or nearby, we invite you to attend our upcoming in-person listening session. Stay tuned to our social media pages for more details in the coming weeks.

Together, we can help bring Summer EBT to Florida in 2025, ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months!

Exciting Announcement: Expanding the Farm to School Initiative in Florida!

We are thrilled to share the launch of an exciting new partnership aimed at expanding the Farm to School Initiative across Florida. The Florida School Nutrition Association (FSNA) has been awarded a generous $6.5 million cooperative agreement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to support this important project.

In collaboration with Locally Grown and No Kid Hungry, we are working to connect socially disadvantaged farmers and producers with school districts in 13 rural counties throughout the state. This initiative will help strengthen local food systems and ensure that fresh, locally grown produce reaches Florida’s schools, benefiting both students and farmers.

Our role in this effort is to oversee the work of community navigators—dedicated individuals who will assist in identifying local farmers and establishing connections with school districts near them. This project not only supports Florida’s agricultural community but also enhances the nutritional offerings available to students, especially in underserved regions.

In the photo above, our team recently visited GP Farms in Gainesville, Florida, where we discussed the exciting opportunities ahead for local producers and schools.

We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have across the state and will keep you updated on our progress. To learn more about this initiative and how it will benefit Florida’s communities, visit Our Newest Project! Local Food For Schools | Locally Grown

Together, we’re cultivating a healthier future for Florida’s students and farmers!

Exciting Announcement: The Return of Our GEMS Program!

We are thrilled to share that our GEMS (Getting Empowered Matters) program is back, thanks to generous funding from Sodexo Stop Hunger! This year, we’re excited to expand the program to include a middle school, allowing us to reach even more young leaders in our community. GEMS is an innovative youth leadership program designed to equip youth in low-income communities with the tools and resources necessary to overcome barriers associated with hunger, access, and opportunity. Participants will explore vital topics such as advocacy, food systems, food justice, and career development and their strengths through peer-led discussions and activities. Some of the activities include creating PSA’s, hosting community focus groups, writing legislative letters and an exciting trip to Tallahassee for Children’s week next spring. Through peer-led discussions GEMS participants will examine the strengths and challenges in their communities, identifying solutions to issues like food insecurity, access to fresh produce, nutrition education, and the establishment of community gardens. We are excited to witness the impact that GEMS will have on our students and the community. Stay tuned for more updates and information on how you can get involved!

A Heartfelt Thank You to The Florida Georgia District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the Florida Georgia District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod for their ongoing and generous support. For many years, their donations have been instrumental in helping us carry out our mission to advance health equity and end hunger for all Floridians.

Thanks to their contributions, we have been able to fund pilot projects and host workshops that educate Floridians about vital federal nutrition programs. These initiatives have empowered communities to access the resources they need to improve their health and well-being, particularly for those who face the greatest challenges in accessing nutritious food.

Their continued partnership has made a profound impact, and we could not achieve our goals without their support. Thank you Florida Georgia District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod for standing with us as we work to build a healthier, more equitable future for everyone in our state.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration and making even greater strides toward a hunger-free Florida.

Donate: Every dollar counts. Consider making a monthly donation to support our ongoing efforts. Donate Now  

Volunteer: We are always in need of volunteers. Sign up for an upcoming event or program. Get Involved 

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• MAZON A Jewish Response to Hunger American Heart Association 
• Center for Science in the Public Interest Children's Board of Hillsborough Children’s Home Society of Florida City of Miami Gardens 
• David Kimmel Foundation 
• DeBartolo Family Foundation Inc Enterprise Holdings Foundation Florida Conference United Methodist  
• FRAC - Food Research & Action
• Project Bread
• FL-GA District åLutheran Church of Missouri Synod 
• Popeyes Foundation 
• USDA Farm to School 
• United Women in Faith- Florida
• Wawa Foundation 
• Women’s Missionary Society
• 11th Episcopal District of AME Church
• Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation
• Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends