Key Points
Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) is seeking help from the community to feed hungry children over the holidays through its annual Holiday Food Drive.
Last year, boxes of food were provided to nearly 900 families, and organizers are once again seeking either food or monetary donations to assist families during the upcoming two-week winter break.
“So many families rely on the free meals their children receive at school,” said food drive organizer Kelley Kostamo in an ACPS press release. “We don’t want children going hungry while schools are closed during the long break.”
Food donations can be dropped off at Westwood Middle School (3215 NW 15th Ave., Gainesville) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and the Alachua County School District Office (620 E. University Ave., Gainesville) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alternative drop-off arrangements can be made by emailing kostamkb@alachuaschools.net or calling 352-955-7250, ext. 6411.
ACPS is continuing its partnership with the nonprofit organization Food4Kids, which is helping with the collection, packing and distribution of the food boxes. Local businesses, schools, service organizations, churches and other groups are also participating.
A list of specific food items needed for each box is available on the district’s website at https://www.alachuaschools.net/foodbox. The district’s goal is to provide all families with similar items, including enough food for regular meals during the break and a holiday meal.
Community members are asked to check that donations are non-expired. In addition to the food items included on the list, the district also said non-perishable, kid-friendly items such as snacks, muffin mix, ramen or fruit cups are also appreciated.
ACPS will also use monetary donations to purchase food. Donations can be made online via The Education Foundation of Alachua County website at https://edfoundationac.org/. Once here, click on the Donate button located on the top right of the home page and designate ‘Emergency Food/Food Baskets’ in the first drop-down menu.
The deadline for food donations is Dec.12, and the deadline for monetary contributions is Dec. 15.