Get your FREE Listing

Hunger Fight – Sherri Porter
5 minutes

Hunger Fight – Sherri Porter

- edited by: Dinah Hess

Share If You Enjoyed It

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
I love to volunteer! Volunteering has always been an important part of my life. I have volunteered for many different organizations over the past 15 years and loved every minute of it. While researching different volunteer opportunities, I was struck by the number of children living in North Florida who struggle daily with hunger. I decided it was time to take action and do something about it, thus Hunger Fight was born!

Now 10 years and over 13 million meals later, Hunger Fight continues to combat hunger and food insecurity in over 15 different counties in Florida and Georgia on a regular basis. This success is a reflection of the support received from the businesses, churches, foundations, and community organizations that believe in Hunger Fight’s mission. That support, along with the thousands of volunteers that participate in packing events every year, allows us to do what we do to help those in need.

Food for their Bellies, Books for their Brains 

Thanks for your time Sherri. So tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there? 

I live in the San Marco area of Jacksonville. I was born and raised here in Jacksonville, so the First Coast has always been my home. 

When was your NFP started? Who does your NFP serve and where? 

Hunger Fight was established in November of 2012. We serve children, families, and seniors in and around our communities that face hunger, food insecurity, and/or illiteracy. We target Title-One students utilizing backpack feeding programs and families through our collaborations with various food pantries and other organizations. Our programs try to focus on low-income, high-risk areas considered food and book deserts. 

Why was this NFP started and who and how does it benefit? 

Hunger Fight was started to address the issue of hunger and food insecurity plaguing so many students and families here in Northeast Florida. We provide our shelf-stable meal pouches to those facing hunger and food insecurity at no cost to them. We do our best to use whatever avenues necessary to get our meals to those who need them most. 

From the outset, what was your mission/vision? 

Hunger Fight’s mission has evolved some over the years but our core mission and vision have always been fighting to eradicate hunger in the communities we serve. EVERY child deserves to be well-fed and well-read. 

What percentage of the budget is dedicated directly to those who benefit (vs indirect costs)?

We are proud to keep our overhead costs under 12%, so 88% of our budget is dedicated to our programs. 

Who are your main sponsors, grants, and supporters and what kind of community support do you receive (in kind, etc) 

Oh man, we are so lucky to have the kind of support we have from our community partners. Our Legacy Partner, Fresh Jax, our Heritage Partner, North Florida Pediatrics, and our Platinum Partner, Asbury Automotive, are by our side every step of the way. Some of our other amazing community partners include the North Florida Association of Realtors, Whataburger, Arby’s, Publix Charities, Landsouth Construction, RF Smart, CSI Companies, and the Jim Moran Foundation to name a few. I could go on and on. We have really been blessed. 

How many employees (or volunteers) make it happen at Hunger Fight?

We have 8 individuals on staff and work with over 13,000 volunteers every year. 

Can you share a few outcomes and a story of a participant that benefited?

One of my favorite testimonials is from Camry S. Floyd, Principal at Chattahoochee Elementary School who stated “Thank you, Hunger Fight, for sponsoring the students at Chattahoochee Elementary School this past school year. Our students live in an extremely underprivileged, underserved community and your contribution was so important to ensure that they were able to have nutritious meals outside the provisions of the school food program. Our school had an incredible year, certainly due largely in part to the fact that our students were well-fed and able to focus. We have enjoyed partnerships with multiple agencies and our 3rd-grade reading proficiency increased from 14% in 2021 to 37% in 2022. We have a lot of work to do, but partners like you, who remove such critical considerations as hunger from our school community, make all the difference. I hope that we can continue this partnership for years to come.” 

How has Covid affected your NFP? 

When COVID-19 was at its prime and social distancing was recommended across the board, we had a lot of challenges facilitating our meal-packing events. Most businesses and organizations were not allowing their staff to all be in one place together. Also, financially, many companies and organizations were struggling to keep their doors open, which made funding packing events impossible. Unfortunately, COVID only increased the need for our meals so the challenges we faced in getting our meals packed were extremely stressful. 

How do you advertise your NFP? 

Hunger Fight utilizes social media, word of mouth, email, and text advertising. We also have area development directors whose whole job is to reach out to businesses and organizations to educate them about the need and our mission, and to try to get them involved. 

What would it be if you could offer one piece of advice for someone who’s just starting an NFP?

 “Don’t give up!” It can be challenging at times but totally worth it. 

Personal hobbies or interests? Family? 

I enjoy woodworking and hanging out by the pool. I adore my dog, Brodie. I spend as much time as I can with my husband, mom, brother, son, daughter, and grandchildren. 

What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast? 

The best thing for me about living on the First Coast is the weather. I love the sunshine and do not love the cold. 

Where and how can folks learn more about your NFP? Links to your website? 

Please check out www.hungerfight.org to learn more about our programs and how to get involved. 

Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this? 

Just that it is very rewarding to help those less fortunate in whatever way you are able.

Suggest a Story: FCL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so when you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Share This Post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Related Post

Adopting Love Through Fur Sisters...

A Q+A With Local Kelly Krehbiel – Saving Dogs From Shelters So cool to meet you Kelly and…

Riverside Arts Market Going Strong

A sit down with founder Shannon Blankinship … Please kick things off for us with an introduction to…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Stories

Stories, Articles & Spotlights

This Story Sponsored By

Connect With Us

Sign up for stories & photos to your inbox

 

More Like This

Upcoming Events
*St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
St. Augustine, Beaches South
November 16, 2024
*Fernandina Beach Market Place Farmers Market
Fernandina Beach, Beaches North
November 16, 2024
Atlantic Beach Arts Market
Atlantic Beach
Art Galleries
Nature By Ronnie
Neptune Beach
Painters