The Diocese of St. Augustine is urging the community to support Catholic Charities and parish food pantries as the federal government enters week four of the shutdown. Rising food, housing and utility costs, along with uncertainty about federal benefits, are leading more families and seniors in St. Johns County to seek help.
Catholic Charities St. Augustine, an agency of the Diocese of St. Augustine, reports that food assistance needs are among the highest they have seen in recent years. During the first quarter of 2025, the regional office distributed 68,864 pounds of food, compared to 54,146 pounds during the same period last year. Based on a standard food bank conversion of 1.2 pounds per meal, this is the equivalent of about 57,000 meals, or enough food to provide three meals a day for roughly 640 people for one month. This estimate is commonly used by hunger relief organizations and does not represent full meal service for each individual.
“We are seeing new families every week — people who used to make it on their own but now cannot keep up with increased costs,” said Tara Franks, regional director of Catholic Charities St. Augustine. “Seniors are especially vulnerable. Many are living on a fixed income and are being priced out of housing and struggling to afford both food and medication.”
Factors contributing to rising need
“We are doing everything we can, but we cannot meet this demand alone,” Franks said. “Food donations, grocery gift cards or financial support help us provide for families and seniors with dignity.”
How you can help:
Food donations
Donations may be delivered or mailed to:
Catholic Charities St. Augustine Regional Office, 525 SR 16, Suite 112, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Drop off hours are Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Most-needed items include canned meats, vegetables and fruits, peanut butter and jelly, pasta, rice, cereal, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, shelf-stable milk, soups and individually packed snacks for children.
Gift cards
Gift cards to Walmart, Winn-Dixie or Aldi help families purchase fresh food and household necessities.
Financial contributions
Checks may be made payable to Catholic Charities with “Food Pantry” in the memo line. Donations may also be made online through the regional website at https://www.ccbstaug.org/donate. Financial gifts allow the agency to purchase food at lower cost through partner suppliers.
Support parish food pantries
Several Catholic parishes in St. Johns County operate their own food banks and are also seeing increased demand. Parishioners may donate directly to their parish food pantry or Catholic Charities. All contributions stay in the local community.
Catholic Charities Bureau has served individuals and families in need since 1945 by providing food assistance, housing support, emergency aid and rural outreach. It is an agency of the Diocese of St. Augustine and operates regional offices in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Lake City and St. Augustine, with outreach extending to communities such as Palatka, Hastings, Crescent City, Bunnell and Flagler County.
To learn more, go to www.ccbdosa.org.
