When Hurricane Ian hit Florida in September of last year, it left a path of destruction. When the hurricane passed, Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers was left with a water-damaged building and a loss of almost all of its inventory.
They continued to stay committed to helping their community of Harlem Heights following Hurricane Ian even though they were experiencing challenges themselves. Those challenges didn't stop Gladiolus Food Pantry from hosting a Christmas giveaway event in December. Midwest Food Bank Florida was one of the ministries that provided turkeys and food for the family food boxes they gave away that day.
"It was a day of fun, food, and toys," says Scot Buss, Marketing and Development Manager for MFB. "The Grinch was also there, but when Santa showed up, he mysteriously disappeared."
The atmosphere of the event represents the attitude of Gladiolus Food Pantry. They want to foster self-reliance, and independence, and empower the families they serve. Started in 2013 by Miriam Ortiz, the pantry is the only year-round pantry in Harlem Heights. Known as the "green building," the pantry served 7,457 households in 2021. They want to supplement these families' food/household budgets by providing not only food but diapers and other essentials.
MFB Florida is grateful for partner agencies like Gladiolus Food Pantry.
