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Due to the effects of COVID-19, Osceola REDI has launched its first fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 to help fund and support food pantries in Osceola County.
Osceola County has partnered with Osceola REDI (Recovery from Emergency Disaster Initiative), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a comprehensive and integrated emergency management assistance system that coordinates with Osceola’s community resources to protect lives, property and environment.
Due to the effects of COVID-19, Osceola REDI has launched its first fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 to help fund and support food pantries in Osceola County.
Since March 1, 2020, Osceola County has recorded upward of a 60 percent increase in food pantry distribution. And, as of March 16, 55 percent of residents visiting food pantries are out of work due to COVID-19. On average, prior to COVID-19, it takes $4,000 to $5,000 to run just one food pantry in Osceola County for an entire month. After working closely with the food pantries and area agencies, Osceola REDI has set out to raise $100,000 to fund and support food pantries within Osceola County.
"The novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a once in a lifetime event that has resulted in immediate and harsh realities -- with many of Osceola County’s hard-working residents being affected disproportionately,” said County Commissioner Brandon Arrington. “Having volunteered with food distribution in the Poinciana area, I realize all too well the demand for basic necessities, such as food, is overwhelming. That’s why I’m urging everyone who can to give whatever they can to help us limit the effects of food insecurity in our community. And if you don’t have the ability to contribute financially, if you are able, please consider volunteering at a pantry as a way to help.”
To kick off the campaign, the Silver Spurs Riding Club, who hosts one of our community’s longest-standing traditions, The Silver Spurs Rodeo, unanimously voted to donate $3,000 for the launch and hopes the community will match it.
Osceola REDI was formed in January 2015 and is a coalition of faith-based and non-profit organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and individuals dedicated to assisting those who have been victims of disaster by pooling community resources and assistance. Individuals and households are key starting points for emergency preparedness and support for community recovery efforts. Osceola REDI is designed to be a grassroots entity working with the local government to ensure citizens’ needs are met and ensure Osceola County returns to normalcy as quickly as possible. For more information about Osceola REDI and its Feed Osceola campaign, visit www.feedingosceola.org.