Now in its second year, Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora, FL has established itself as a strategic resource to support the needs of hungry families that have been hit by unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances. While all communities have been affected by the nation’s economic crisis, Lake Cares Food pantry has seen a dramatic increase of clientele from an average of 15 to 20 families per Saturday to 45 to 55 families.  An additional food distribution day was added on Wednesdays to better serve the needs of our seniors and persons with disabilities. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appointment, clients may receive assistance with on-line applications for SNAP (food stamp program.)

“There are a lot of people out there who can’t pay their rent, groceries and for health care,” Priscilla Beatty, manager of food procurement and distribution said. “So we have to help them out.  Being in need is not just difficult economically, but psychologically as well."

And that is why we have established a Spiritual Counseling team led by Pastor Paul Hoyer from the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. “These are people who are very used to being able to provide for their families fully, so sometimes they are ashamed to stop by the pantry,” she said. “It’s very difficult to get over the hump of being in need."