United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) in partnership with the Pasco County Commission exceeded expectations with its one-of-a-kind, exclusive program to Pasco County called Operation Feed Pasco (OFP) — which provided more than 237,000 meals for individuals and families.
The project has wrapped up its work, amid great success, according to a news release.
The purpose of OFP was simple: Assist local food pantries and soup kitchens and supply food for their clients by using local restaurants in Pasco County.
The program was inspired by the growing number of food-insecure people and the increasing number of struggling restaurants, according to a news release.
Pasco County in May 2020 awarded a $600,000 grant to UWPC to develop and implement a program to help feed people while employing Pasco-based restaurants, event centers and caterers.
What started as a one-time grant turned into a multimillion dollar operation. And, UWPC went on to receive three additional grants. Ultimately, it grew to include 37 partners and more than 20 locations for meal distribution.
The program’s partner restaurants were made up of a variety of cuisines — Italian, South American, Soul Food and others.
Meals from partner restaurants were served at various nonprofit agencies throughout the county, including women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, children’s shelters, food ministries and pantries, homeless outreach centers, afterschool programs for at-risk youth, and elderly care centers.
“United Way of Pasco County’s mission is to respond to unmet needs in the community,” said Charles Anderson, president and CEO, in the news release.
“None could be greater than ensuring our citizens had food during this pandemic.
“Responding to the challenge required tremendous teamwork and I remain very grateful to my staff team, board of directors, participating agencies, local restaurants,” Anderson said, adding a special shout-out to Cathy Pearson, an assistant Pasco County administrator, and to the Pasco County Commission.
Published March 03, 2021
