Fall is upon us, and the holiday season is in full swing. For many people, this time of year means eating good food, spending time with family, and giving to others. If you're interested in helping someone less fortunate this Thanksgiving, consider donating to a local food bank. In Tallahassee, Florida, you can find a number of charities that provide food to those in need in our community. We've put together this list to help you find an organization you can donate to that gives food to people who need it most.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend
By partnering with smaller organizations around Florida, Second Harvest of the Big Bend is able to provide food to low-income and unemployed people who are struggling. In 2021, Second Harvest gave 13.8 million pounds of food away to help limit the burden on anyone in need. Not only does this organization help people in Leon County, but it also serves the communities of Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla. Look into volunteering with Second Harvest if you aren’t able to donate food or if you want to help those in need even more.
Location: 4446 Entrepot Blvd., Tallahassee.
Phone number: 850-562-3033
Manna on Meridian
Manna on Meridian is a joint effort by St. Stephen Lutheran Church and Faith Presbyterian Church, along with other congregations and charitable organizations in Tallahassee, to provide food to individuals in need. On the third Saturday of every month, community members can pick up a bag of groceries at 2200 N. Meridian Road, Tallahassee. The items you can donate here include:
- Peanut butter.
- Spaghetti sauce.
- Pasta.
- Cereal.
- Canned goods.
The group does ask that you refrain from donating anything in a glass container. You can get in touch to find out if this list will vary for the holidays or if you're interested in volunteering.
Location: 2200 N. Meridian Road, Tallahassee.
Phone number: 850-385-2728
Wildwood Church
Offering many outreach programs, Our Father's Storehouse is just one way that Wildwood Church gives back to the community. This ministry accepts donations of both clothing and food. You can help your neighbors through this organization by donating food, new or old clothes, or your time. In addition, the group also accepts monetary donations so it can purchase specific items that people need. A few of the other outreach programs this group supports are the Wildwood preschool, Wildwood ballet, Northside Community Center, and Hope Street Uganda.
On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the ministry delivers food from 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: 100 Ox Bottom Road, Tallahassee.
Phone number: 850-894-1400
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
Those living in rural communities can find it difficult to access food pantries or other charitable resources that provide assistance with food. By making a donation to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, you can help ensure that those living in the outskirts of the city or a more distant community will have the food they need. This organization's mobile food pantry, the Caring Coach, takes food to rural areas. Catholic Charities can only operate with your donations, so it's important to give what you can, especially during the holidays when many people struggle to pay their bills and still have enough to eat.
Location: 1380 Blountstown Highway, Tallahassee.
Phone number: 850-222-2180
Echo
Since April 1981, Echo has been assisting those in crisis and poverty who live in Leon County. This aid has helped many people make their way out of homelessness and poverty and overcome other struggles and challenges in their lives. At Echo, you can donate food items such as:
- Box cereals.
- Canned vegetables.
- Canned fruit.
- Canned soup.
- Peanut butter.
- Rice.
- Ramen noodles.
- Canned meat.
- Dried milk.
If you want to give more or have other items you're thinking of donating, Echo is also accepting:
- Hygiene items: Deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
- Baby items: Diapers, formula, and clothes.
- Household items: Towels, bed linens, cookware, dishes, heaters, and fans.
- Furniture: Beds, sofas, tables, and chairs.
Keep in mind that if you make donations other than food, they need to be in good condition and working order. The goal of Echo is to help people become independent, stable, and productive. You can help by making a donation this Thanksgiving.
Location: 548 E. Bradford Road, Tallahassee.
Phone number: 850-224-3246
The Kearney Center
The Kearney Center offers 24-hour emergency services to anyone in Tallahassee who is experiencing homelessness. Even those on the verge of becoming homeless can rely on the services of The Kearney Center. However, without your generosity, this organization could not provide the community outreach it does. If you can, consider donating more than just food this holiday season. Along with snack items, seasonings, milk, and fresh vegetables, The Kearney Center also accepts donations such as:
- Brushes and combs.
- Clothing and shoes.
- Paper plates and napkins.
- Shampoo and conditioner.
Every homeless person who receives help from The Kearney Center to get back on their feet gets a move-out kit. To add to these kits, you can contribute items such as brooms, mops, blankets, pillows, and cleaning supplies.
Location: 2650 Municipal Way, Tallahassee.
Phone number: 850-792-9000
Project Annie, Inc.
No matter the time of year, struggling to feed yourself or your family can cause stress, which may create more problems for those already in need. That's why Project Annie works year-round to connect people in need to services in the community that can help them overcome their financial challenges. Donating food to Project Annie means giving people the relief they need to be able to pay their bills, which can be even more challenging during the holidays. Not only does Project Annie provide free food items, but the team also cooks for the needy every Saturday and on holidays.
Location: 625 W. Fourth Ave., Tallahassee.
Phone number: 850-222-6133
We strive to support our community through various organizations and charities, and we know that many of our customers do the same. That's why we compiled this list of places you can donate to this year at Thanksgiving. If you know of another charity in Tallahassee that does community outreach, let us know so that we can do our part to help those less fortunate this holiday season.
