OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Imagine struggling to access affordable, healthy foods, lacking reliable transportation, or being burdened by health challenges. For many, this is a daily reality.

Food insecurity remains a widespread issue across the country. On January 11, 2025, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Food Drive and Food Caravan aimed to combat this challenge by providing essential non-perishable foods and toiletry items to those in need. Donations collected were delivered to Interfaith Emergency Services, directly supporting local families.

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This impactful event is a collaborative effort by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Florida, Inc., the Second Bethlehem Baptist Association, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the NAACP. Together, these organizations work to alleviate the struggles of the homeless, seniors, individuals on fixed incomes, and single parents facing food insecurity.

“This is part of the divine mind here, with all of the different colors that you see, which is the black Greek fraternities and sororities.

We support this cause,” said Ire Bethea, Ocala City Council President Pro-Tem. “This is part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. annual food drive. The drive itself will benefit whoever Interfaith Emergency Services serves.”

Life can change in an instant, and offering support to those less fortunate becomes even more meaningful during difficult economic times.

‘There’s a huge food insecurity situation not just our community, but in all communities,” said Rev. Eric Cummings, Marion County Public School Board Member for District 3. “Councilman Bethea and I saw this a few years ago. COVID really exposed this even more. We decided that we needed to do something to support the local food pantry which is Interfaith Emergency Services. It’s been a blessing. This is our fifth year. Everybody’s not doing well in this economic situation.”

Food security is essential for health and well-being, impacting cognitive function, nutrition, and overall health.

“As a school board member, [the food drive] helps us to meet another need,” said Cummings. “We want kids to do well when they’re going to school. They can’t do well if their stomach is louder than the teacher. We want to make sure that their stomachs aren’t growling. We want to make certain that they have the necessary nutritional requirements so they can be successful. It’s a complete circle. If you want success you have to have success in the community, success at home, success in the school, and when all of those components come together, we have a better community.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, an international organization committed to community service, actively participates in the MLK Jr. Annual Food Drive.

“Our sorority was founded on Christian principles that involved community service,”

said Theresa Boston-Ellis, Marion County Public Schools Chief Financial Officer and President of the Delta Sigma Theta Ocala Alumnae Chapter. “Sisterhood supporting each other, supporting the community and also social action. We’ve done this several years and we’re glad to be a part of it.”