SARASOTA – One Sarasota non-profit is in dire need of volunteers and donations, as they struggle to feed those experiencing hunger across the Suncoast.
“We are being hit by inflation and the increase in cost of food just like everyone else in America,” said Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Sarasota, Marjorie Broughton.
Meals on Wheels of Sarasota serve 800 meals a day to those in need.
“They are freshly made, heart healthy meals, 12 hundred calories and they are being delivered throughout Sarasota County from Albee farm Road to University and from the Gulf of Mexico East to the Sarasota County line,” said Broughton.
Broughton says most people they feed have an annual income of 250 percent below the federal poverty level
“With an average monthly income of 750 to 800 dollars our folks have to make a decision whether to go to the doctor, get their pharmaceutical needs filled, or pay their rent and buy food, we supply the food,” said Broughton.
Meals on Wheels serves people ages 4 to 106 right now.
Broughton says they not only need volunteers on top of financial donations.
“We are visiting our clients and letting them know that there is a community that cares about them and not only provides meals, we are there to assist,” said Broughton.
Volunteers can either pack or help deliver meals, which only takes two hours out of your day.
“It’s that time of the year when we reach out to the community and say please help us,” said Broughton.
For more information on how to help, you can visit Meals on Wheels Sarasota website here.