Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - In recognition of National Hunger Month in November,  Alachua County Commissioner Rodney J. Long is inviting citizens to participate in the Alachua County communitywide “Strike Out Hunger Food Drive”.  To plan the food drive, there is a workshop and planning meeting that will develop a strategic plan to meet the needs of citizens who are challenged nutritionally by providing non-perishable foods to local food pantries.  The workshop is on July 26, 2011 at 10 a.m. in the Alachua County Health Department Auditorium located at 224 S. E. 24^th Street, Gainesville.

The  purpose  of  the workshop is to form a collaborative effort with local businesses, faith based organization, educational institutions, government, law enforcement, private not-for profit agencies and city and county residents, to develop a  comprehensive, annual,  communitywide food drive.

“We will work together to develop a strategic plan for a county-wide  food drive,” Long said,   “We will assess strengths and weakness in our present efforts, establish linkages and create a food security system that  will improve the self-reliance of community members over their food needs.”

Please RSVP by July 16, 2011 by emailing Marie Small at mdsmall@alachuacounty.us or by calling call her at 352-264-6745.