A MESSAGE FROM
REBECCA BACON,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Community Partners,
As we welcome the fall season, we are inspired by community efforts to support food drives and share resources. Proper nutrition is important for all of us and for children, it is essential for their growth, development, and long-term health. Key nutrients are needed for children to be strong and healthy and to promote normal brain development, especially critical in the early years. Pregnant women also have increased nutritional needs and healthy eating during pregnancy establishes the foundation for growth and overall healthy newborns.
Unfortunately, too many families experience food insecurity on a regular basis and a slight change in circumstances can create a crisis. In fact, according to data from United Way Suncoast, nearly half of Hillsborough County families are either below the poverty level or the ALICE threshold – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The rising costs of household basics – including housing, childcare, food, transportation, and health care – are having adverse impacts on families in our community.
The Children’s Board invests in several family support programs that engage with families to address basic needs and achieve self-sufficiency goals. Programs like the United Food Bank of Plant City’s FEED Program, Positive Spin’s EACH One, Metropolitan Ministries’ Pathways to Hope, and CDC of Tampa’s Wealth Builders are making great strides in improving families’ well-being. Through the ONEhillsborough initiative, the Children’s Board is partnering with United Way Suncoast, Career Source Tampa Bay, the Junior League of Tampa, and Vistra Communications to host From Surviving to Thriving, a cost-of-living workshop to identify additional solutions to improve the lives of working families.
November is a perfect month to give thanks to our generous community for the resources invested in families to ensure that children thrive.
With gratitude,
