Naples, Fla. – With inflation rates hitting at an all-time high this year and gas prices not far behind, families are finding it more difficult to afford nutritious food. Food pantries and other community organizations face similar challenges, as many find their resources for food and supplies aren’t going nearly as far.
But, who’s not being held back during these hard times? Miss Blueberry, the aptly named food truck delivering free meals to families throughout Naples. Run by solar panels, Miss Blueberry uses Florida’s radiant sun to keep her juiced up and ready for action when it’s time to deliver nutritious meals across the community.
Miss Blueberry is an innovative program developed by Crohn’s Charity Service Foundation (CCSF), a local nonprofit organization focused on connecting Naples communities with resources and helping them thrive.
Every Friday Miss Blueberry’s bright blue paint, smiling face and shiny solar panels are a familiar sight to many families of the Golden Gate community in Naples. Driving the truck is CCSF Founder Yvette Stafford, who works tirelessly to support underserved neighborhoods. Since 2020, No Kid Hungry Florida has granted CCSF over $100,000 to support and expand their summer meal delivery program. No Kid Hungry Florida’s support has ensured Miss Blueberry keeps running and no families on her route go hungry.
“With so many families facing food insecurity and local community groups struggling to keep up with the growing need, it’s inspiring to watch teams like Yvette’s discover innovative solutions that work for their unique community,” said Sky Beard, director of No Kid Hungry Florida. “We’re proud to help keep Miss Blueberry on the road here in Naples, and look forward to helping others find solutions to feeding the children in their communities.”
Since March 2020, No Kid Hungry Florida has distributed 10.6 million dollars in grant funding to nonprofit organizations and school districts across the state of Florida to combat child hunger.
