Food bank spring into action
The United Food Bank of Plant City makes sure local children don’t go hungry when schools are closed. The group provides breakfast and lunch food items for children when they are out of class for a week or more if those kids attend school in the Area IV district and are on free or reduced lunch. That demand only grows for the summer vacation.
Last year, UFB kickstarted its Weekend Backpack program. The organization began assisting one school and is currently aiding four local schools. Students at each location, who are identified to be the most food insecure, have a representative who steps in to let UFB know how many bags of food they need each week. The food is taken to the students who are able to use it to get through the weekend.
Because of all of the aid UFB provides for the community, the organization is always in need of extra donations to help fund the programs. Food and monitory donations can be sent to UFBPC, 702 E. Alsobrook St.
Diabetes Prevention Program returns
The Diabetes Prevention Program is back. Held at the United Food Bank of Plant City, the class is taught by Gregory Champlin, a nutrition educator for the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. The year-long program will help residents reduce their risk of becoming a diabetic.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 86 million American adults, one in three, have prediabetes. Nine out of 10 of those adults are unaware they have it.
Last year’s program saw some of the best results Champlin has ever had. In five months, his class lost a total of 66 pounds.
By making small lifestyle changes and having a support group, like that offered with this class, attendees can begin their journey toward health transformation. The class is scheduled to begin April 3 and runs from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. To register call 813-307-8015 ext. 7111.
Lots of Hugs summer reading program registration now open
The Plant City Black Heritage Celebration’s annual Lots of Hugs summer reading program will offer children a safe and exciting place where they can have fun and create memories to last a lifetime.
Throughout the summer, attendees will take part in activities that focus on increasing children’s reading level and character development, the “Just Read” Literacy Program, writing, water safety and educational field trips.
The program is held at a new location, at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road. Registration officially opened March 12 and an open house will be at 10 a.m. May 19. The 10-week program is open for children age six to 14 years old. It will be held May 28 through Aug. 3 and students will have breakfast, lunch and a snack each day. The cost is $75 per child for the 10-week period. For more information contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134 or email sharonmoody91@yahoo.com.