ORANGE PARK \u2013 It wasn\u2019t easy to realize all the reasons to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the \u201cCastle\u201d at Waste Not Want Not on Thursday, April 30.<\/p>\n
With so many supporters, volunteers and friends on hand for the ribbon cutting for a 600-square-foot expansion at 2050 Carnes St. with air conditioning, the addition of commercial grade refrigeration, upgraded electrical system and upgraded fencing, the audience spilled into the parking lot, which negated the usefulness of the A\/C and hide the much of the refrigerators behind walls of humanity.<\/p>\n
For Waste Not Want Not Executive Director Kathleen Spears, it was a wonderful problem to have.<\/p>\n
Primary donors Pruette Electric, Baptist Health System, the Winn-Dixie Company and HCA Florida Healthcare investments changed lives by supporting the nonprofit that rescues enormous amounts of leftover food to feeds thousands who experience of food insecurity.<\/p>\n
Waste Not Want Not averages collecting and redistributing nearly two tons of food daily to organizations like Clay Kitchen, Clay County District Schools, Celebration Church and Saved 2 Serve.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, we didn\u2019t just renovate a castle,\u201d Spears said. \u201cWe turned it into a palace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indeed.<\/p>\n
Other major players in the ribbon-cutting and yard party were Wiggins Construction, All Pro Heating and Cooling, Jacksonville Jaguars Volunteers, John Nelson, Tillery Durbin, Karen Adams, Tonya Barge, Roger Higginbotham, Joe Markley, Catharine Wells, Anthony\u2019s Gourmet Catering, Event Divas, The Buzz Mobile Bartending, Toni Bouthillet, Curtis Willis and Joseph Lorentzon.<\/p>\n
Ed Hubel, President of Baptist Medical Center Clay, talked about the importance of a community wrapping its efforts and love around those in need.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis work takes all of us today in celebration of what possible when a community comes together,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you noticed when you were walking in here with the refrigerator van, these investments help ensure the fresh nutritious food reaches families who need it most.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a powerful reminder that fighting hunger isn’t just about food. It’s about dignity, access and care and, of course, none of this can happen without the heart of Waste Not Want Not. It’s volunteers. Your time, your energy and your compassion or what brings the mission to life every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Waste Not Want Not Board Chairman Rick Hood said the additional space will allow the volunteers to re-organize shelves to create an additional 350 square feet of space, which will allow them to serve more recipients.<\/p>\n
And with the greater demands comes a greater need for resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe expansion of the Castle was made possible because of many hands and many partners,\u201d he said. \u201cThis build-out of the additional functional space and\u00a0installation of this\u00a0would not be possible without\u00a0tremendous financial support.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, how do we enhance our mission by rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and get that food?\u00a0We need more food sources. We need more distribution partners. We need to expand our reach. This building expansion is just an initial step that will improve the efficiencies of\u00a0food flow in a more favorable environment, enabling us to handle more volume on a daily basis.\u201d<\/p>\n
As long as one in seven Americans experience food insecurity, according to the Food Research and Action Center, the needs and wants at Waste Not Want Not has never been more important.<\/p>\n
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