It was a vision long before it became a reality, but we are happy to report that the Mobile Pantry program is now operational and is already having an amazing

impact!

Every weekday morning, Josh Ellis, mobile pantry manager, loads our mobile pantry truck with pallets of produce, bakery, dairy products and dry goods. He then heads out to support an agency, like Trinity Rescue Mission, that has

a weekly food distribution program. Every Monday, people begin lining up at the mission before sunrise just to be sure they receive food.

Josh’s work does not end when the food is delivered. He stays to help the agency set up and talks to staff and volunteers to understand their program and the people they serve. He walks down the line of waiting people, talking to them about their situations and their needs. This interaction helps him better understand what foods will help the most at each distribution. “A distribution that is feeding families has different needs than one that is feeding the homeless or seniors,” Josh said. “By taking the time to watch and listen, I’m learning how to best meet the needs of each agency.”

After each morning distribution, Josh heads back to the food bank to load the mobile pantry truck again and head to another agency. “The morning schedule is the same each week,” he said. “But the afternoons take me to new and different agencies every day.” After eight weeks on the job, Josh is still amazed at the need he is witnessing. “The agencies tell me that

every month, their lines get longer,” he said. “The stories I hear from the people in line have become familiar now; lost jobs, medical problems and the inability to meet rising expenses on a fixed income. These are the issues that drive good people to stand in line for hours to receive food that will help them get through another week.”

“The Mobile Pantry program is entirely funded by gifts from the community,” said Bruce Ganger,

executive director of Second Harvest North Florida. “We’ve had wonderful response from local businesses, civic groups, faith-based organizations and individuals.”

It costs $1,000 to provide the food that feeds the 200 to 300 families that typically turn out at each distribution. The program is currently funded for two distributions each day through July.

“We invite people to ride along and join in to help at a distribution,” Bruce said. “It’s an experience that will open your eyes to the incredible need in our community.”

The Mobile PanTry is uP and rolling!

hearTbeaTsLutheran SociaL ServiceS of northeaSt fLorida, inc. • 4615 PhiLiPS highway • JackSonviLLe, fL 32207

“A distribution that is feeding families has different needs than one that is feeding the homeless or seniors.”

The case workers in the AIDS Care and Education (ACE) Program have always provided compassionate care to their clients but have been limited in the service they could provide. “We were social case workers,” said Heather Vaughan, director of the ACE Program. “This limited us to helping with personal issues and offering guidance on available assistance resources.”

All that changed recently when the staff case workers completed training and passed the federal medical case management exam. Now they are certified as medical case managers.

“We’re considered part of the chronic care team,” Heather said. “We’ll be

able to partner with the doctors in caring for our clients.”

Clients will now get a better continuum of care with the LSS team going along to doctor appointments and monitoring their medication adherence. “We will be the common link between the interdisciplinary caregivers - doctors, nurses, mental health counselors and pharmacists,” Heather said. “This new level of care builds on what we have always provided – caring, personal support to help people have hope and find strength to deal with a frightening, life-changing illness.”

aids Care and eduCaTion PrograM offers new level of Care

Don’t miss the fun and excitement at the 22nd Annual Jacksonville FOODFIGHT! Be there when over 50 of First Coast’s finest restaurants, caterers and beverage wholesalers engage in a friendly competition showcasing their signature dishes. In addition to fabulous food and spirits, you will enjoy live entertainment provided by local band Split Tone.

Order tickets by phone at 904.739.7074 or online at www.jacksonvillefoodfight.org. See you there!

How Second Harvest North Florida will use your contribution:• Every $1 donated provides 7 meals for people in need.• Every $100 donated provides a weekly backpack full of nutritious food to

feed a child on weekends, when food might not be available at home.• $100,000 raised at FOODFIGHT would enable Second Harvest to make

100 Mobile Pantry distributions feeding 25,000 families in neighborhoods with the greatest need.

Join us on Thursday, June 76:30 - 9 p.m. (VIP area opens at 5:30 p.m.) at EverBank Field Touchdown Club East All proceeds benefit Second Harvest North Florida