Escambia County Partners to Give Out 25,000 Pounds of Food Saturday in Cantonment

Through Escambia County CARES Act funds, approximately 25,000 pounds of food will be distributed to those in need at Reimagine Cantonment. Admission is free to this community event that takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carver Park, 208 Webb St. in Cantonment. 

“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County, we are very proud to be able to use CARES Act funds to partner with Feeding the Gulf Coast to provide food to those in need,” said Steven Barry, Chairman and District 5 Commissioner. “The event tomorrow at Carver Park in Cantonment will distribute 25,000 pounds of food, which provides direct assistance to the residents of our county.”

The food giveaway is a part of free items offered at the community event. Festival-goers can also receive free clothing, baby diapers, lunch, haircuts and much more. Face-painting and carnival-style train rides will also be available. Many area community agencies and ministries will distribute information about their programs and how those programs may help meet their needs. 

The organizers are requesting attendees to wear face coverings and social distancing will be required.

Linda English, director of Reimagine/Doers of the Word Ministry added, "Because of COVID-19 and Hurricane Sally, we've had to change this event to a new neighborhood which we are looking forward to serving and helping through this time of need. This event is in a neighborhood where the community can really use our mission, 'giving hope to the hopeless.' We are excited about giving out 25,000 pounds of food thanks to Feeding the Gulf Coast. There will be other resources available and our volunteers are excited to help and bless these families in need." 

The CARES Act funds provided to Feeding the Gulf Coast by Escambia County are part of a broader distribution of funds from the federal government through the State of Florida.