The Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) achieved a significant milestone this year, supplying more than a million pounds of food to local families since January.
The ongoing distribution has earned volunteers and staff praise for their resiliency as they serve the influx of families who have been hit hard by the economic impact of COVID-19.
This year, BEAM has had to overcome local food shortages and shelter-in-place orders impacting its volunteer base and food distribution processes. While adhering to recommendations from the CDC, the state Department of Health and local authorities, the nonprofit organization has been working to ensure that at-risk populations have access to emergency services.
The organization expects the needs of families seeking emergency assistance to continue well into 2021.
“We have seen so many new clients due to COVID-19, including families who have never been in a situation where they now rely on BEAM,” said Lori Richards, BEAM executive director. “Distributing more than one million pounds of food, over 830,000 meals, is an incredible accomplishment for our team, and I am so proud of our volunteers, staff and supporters for responding to our growing local community needs.”
BEAM acknowledged its food partners for helping to make the distribution possible. These include Mayport Market mobile pantry partners, the Jacksonville USO, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Finegan Pantry partners, Pablo Hamlet/Pablo Towers, Mission House and Feeding Northeast Florida among many others, as well as its grocery store partners: Publix Super Markets, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, Target, Sprouts and PVS Studios.
In partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida, the BEAM food bank opened in 2016 and since its inception has worked to meet the demand posed by food insecurity.
