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Feeding Future Leaders in a Pandemic 

June 15, 2020 by Laura Mulrooney

Gulfport Police Department Officer Zach Mills helps distribute food to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Gulfport Police Department Officer Zach Mills helps distribute food to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of A Fresh Connection.

As the novel Coronavirus swept the country many were left feeling helpless, others were left feeling the need to help. Gulfport resident and A Fresh Connection Catering Cafe and Bakery owner Chef Lisa Prather created a fundraiser to help local children and families called “Feed our Future Leaders.”

Prather teamed up with City of Gulfport Mayor Emeritus Michael Yakes, the Gulfport Police Department, Pinellas County Schools and Gulfport Elementary, to provide 100 additional prepared meals in addition to Meals On Wheels 4kids. 

Prather and her staff started a Go Fund Me in hopes to raise $2,000, they ended up raising $935.

“As the need decreased, I sought another outlet to serve our children,” said Prather. “Thank you Justin Shea for the introduction to Caitlyn Peacock, Executive Director of TBNEH (Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger) and her newly created program Kids Meals on Wheels for those children and families that cannot come to the school for pick up of lunches.”

In coordination with the Pinellas County Schools, buses, bus drivers and additional volunteers, a satellite location for food distribution was set up at the Catherine Hickman theater for Monday distribution. Several hundred lunches were distributed. 

The last of the proceeds collected from the Feed Our Future Leaders fundraiser were used to feed 50 people at the Ronald McDonald House Sunday, June 7. 

Two volunteers stand with City of Gulfport Mayor Emeritus, Michael Yakes, right, as they teamed with the Gulfport Police Department, Pinellas County Schools & Gulfport Elementary. 
Two volunteers stand with City of Gulfport Mayor Emeritus, Michael Yakes, right, as they teamed with the Gulfport Police Department, Pinellas County Schools & Gulfport Elementary. Photo courtesy of A Fresh Connection.
Gulfport resident and A Fresh Connection Catering Cafe and Bakery owner Chef Lisa Prather created a fundraiser to help local children and families called “Feed our Future Leaders.” Photo courtesy of A Fresh Connection.
Gulfport resident and A Fresh Connection Catering Cafe and Bakery owner Chef Lisa Prather created a fundraiser to help local children and families called “Feed our Future Leaders.” Photo courtesy of A Fresh Connection.

More Food for Kids

Did you know that Gulfport Public Library is also a Summer Breakspot location? If you have kids 18 and under, you can stop by the library weekdays from 12 to 1 pm for a free Grab & Go lunch. A staff member will be stationed in the lobby with a table and goodies. Lunches are provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The Gulfport Library is located at 5501 28th Ave. S. in Gulfport. Call 727-893-1074 for more details.

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by Laura Mulrooney

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