First Coast News Hero Central Food Drive generates nearly 35,000 meals for hungry families

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The final numbers have been recorded from the First Coast News 2011 Hero Central Food Drive, presented by Publix, and the generosity of individuals throughout north Florida once again will help to feed thousands of families in need on the First Coast during the holidays.

More than 21,000 pounds of food was collected in the two-day event, which featured four collection sites - at the St. Johns Town Center in Duval County, at the Orange Park Mall in Clay COunty, at the Publix on SR16 in St. Johns County, and at the Omni Amelia Island in Nassau County.

In addition, more than $2,500 in donations was collected between the four sites, helping to add to the impact. Between food and monetary donations, more than 34,800 meals were made possible for people in need through this year's event.

Volunteers from the United Way, Second Harvest North and Publix manned the locations, receiving non-perishable food donations. Suddath donated SAM collection units.
 

This was the fourth Hero Central Food Drive since 2009. All told, the events have generated more than 162,000 pounds of food donations and nearly $10,000 in monetary donations - creating more than 200,000 meals for people in need.

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