By Gavin Fraser | February 20, 2024
In the ongoing battle against food insecurity, collaborative efforts are proving to be instrumental in making a meaningful impact within our communities. Behind this effort lies the partnership between BITAC, Farm Share, J.M. Smucker, and Molina Healthcare of Florida, showcasing how collective action can drive change and address the pressing issue of hunger.
BITAC, a sister company of Hotel Interactive, is a prominent organization dedicated to fostering collaboration within the hospitality industry. It has taken a proactive stance in addressing food insecurity by selecting Farm Share as its charity of choice. This strategic partnership not only involves financial support, it also provides a platform for Farm Share to raise awareness about food insecurity at BITAC events, amplifying the message to executives and vendors in the hospitality industry.
A crucial component of BITAC events is the team-building element, sponsored by J.M. Smucker. This partnership goes beyond financial contributions as J.M. Smucker generously provides the necessary supplies to create approximately 1,000 sandwiches per event. These sandwiches serve as a tangible symbol of collaboration, representing the collective effort of multiple contributors coming together to make a difference.
Farm Share is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families in Florida have access to essential food resources and assistance. They collaborate with over 2,000 food pantries, religious institutions, educational institutions, and other organizations such as BITAC.
When the hotel executives at BITAC events finish making the peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, Farm Share then leverages its partnership with Molina Healthcare of Florida to extend its outreach in nearby communities. With Molina Healthcare of Florida ‘s boots on the ground, Farm Share can effectively distribute the sandwiches to those in need, ensuring that the impact reaches the individuals and families facing food insecurity firsthand.
Each sandwich represents more than just a meal; it symbolizes hope, support, and solidarity in the fight against hunger. The result is a testament to the power of partnership and collective action in creating meaningful change within our communities.
As we reflect on the progress made thus far, we would like to express gratitude to all involved parties. J.M. Smucker’s contribution of peanut butter and jelly has been instrumental in making these initiatives possible, and its support is invaluable. Lastly, Molina Healthcare of Florida’s community outreach efforts have been crucial in ensuring that the impact of these initiatives is felt where it matters the most.
In the year 2022 alone, Farm Share facilitated the distribution of over 104 million pounds of food, benefiting upwards of 23 million households across all 67 counties of Florida. Notably, a significant portion of this distributed food, exceeding 38 million pounds, consisted of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables.
The success of these partnerships serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity. By working together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, one sandwich at a time. Thank you to J.M. Smucker, Farm Share, and Molina Healthcare of Florida for their unwavering commitment to making a difference in our communities.
