CLAY COUNTY – For the fourth year in a row, Walmart, Bimbo Bakeries USA and Tyson Foods have joined forces to help fight hunger across the United States.

Coronavirus continues to hit Northeast Florida especially hard this year. Feeding Northeast Florida and its network of more than 260 partner food pantries and programs have seen two-to-three times as many households seeking food assistance in Northeast Florida since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The three companies donated 15,000 pounds of food – equating to 12,500 meals – to Feeding Northeast Florida through a partnership with Feeding America.

Representatives from each of the organizations recently visited Feeding Northeast Florida to volunteer by sorting and packing product, deliver the donation and tour the facility. As part of this partnership, Walmart, Bimbo Bakeries USA and Tyson Foods donated 5,000 pounds of bread and 10,000 pounds of protein that will be given to individuals and families over the coming weeks.

“The summer months are always a struggle for food banks, with children out of school and donations lighter because of vacations, said Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “This past summer of 2020 has been extra difficult because of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re seeing more families – those who never thought they’d be in this situation – coming in for help. We cannot thank our corporate partners enough for this generous donation during these trying times.”

Feeding Northeast Florida serves eight counties, including Clay. There are 14 locations in the county, including organizations based in Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Keystone Heights and Orange Park.

Feeding Northeast Florida serves the more than 257,000 people facing food insecurity in its eight-county operating area.

Through its partnerships and individual donations, Feeding America – the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the United States – provides food to millions of Americans through a network of 200-member food banks and 60,000 partner agencies.

Feeding Northeast Florida is the region’s largest nonprofit (501c3) food bank and hunger relief network, aiming to improve the quality of life of the people of Northeast Florida by addressing food insecurity, poverty, and poor health by providing nutritious foods and other essential goods to those in need. Alongside our network of food distribution, agency and community partners, Feeding Northeast Florida provides food and hope to help the more than 1 in 6 people living in our eight-county service area (Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns) who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Feeding Northeast Florida works daily to find solutions to address the issues of food insecurity and poverty through awareness, advocacy, education and action in ways that promote dignity, respect, and empowerment. For more information, visit www.feedingnefl.org.

For a list of local agencies, visit feedingnefl.org.