Bishop Wack Directing $50,000 of Diocesan Funding to Food Pantries in Northwest Florida

As programs such as SNAP face shortfalls, Bishop William A. Wack, CSC of the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is directing $50,000 of diocesan funding to support local Catholic Charities food pantries.

“Although the prolonged government shutdown has just ended, we are keenly aware of the ripple effects it has caused across the Panhandle," said Bishop Wack. "So many families and individuals have their financial well-being related directly or indirectly to Federal institutions operating with full funding. We have to help our brothers and sisters make ends meet in this difficult moment."

Matt Knee, CEO for Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, sees the need increase for basic goods each day. "Last year we served 39,498 individuals with food assistance. Unfortunately, all of our sites are reporting more requests for the most fundamental things. Some food pantries have had their inventory severely depleted in recent weeks. This $50,000 donation will go a long way to help re-stock quickly so we can continue being a beacon of hope in our communities."

All Northwest Floridians can join this effort through supporting donations to Catholic Charities by visiting ccnwfl.org and clicking "Make a Gift."

Diocesan Chief Financial Officer David Kimbell recognizes this would not be possible without the generosity of Catholic parishioners. "Every year our Bishop requests financial contributions to support a variety of initiatives through the diocesan Catholic Sharing Appeal. God stirs hearts to give faithfully and the result is that we have the opportunity to fulfill our mission as Christian disciples to help those in need, whether we know them well as fellow parishioners or whether we only meet them in their moment of trial."

Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida offers food assistance in Ft. Walton Beach (11 First Street Southeast & via the mobile Caring Coach), Panama City (3128 East 11th Street) and Tallahassee (1380 Blountstown Hwy). Please visit ccnwfl.org/food-assistance for a complete list of operating hours and requirements to receive benefits. Parishes in the Pensacola area such as the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and St. Rose of Lima in Milton operate individual food pantry ministries. 

Visit ptdiocese.org/parishfinder their contact information.