More than 27,000 seniors across Pasco County don't know where their next meal is coming from. The Pasco County Public Information Office highlighted on Aug. 5 that one in six Pasco seniors is food insecure.
Feeding Pasco's Elderly, Inc., a volunteer-led nonprofit founded in Land O' Lakes in 2014, works to close that gap. The organization raises money to fund home-delivered meals through Pasco County Senior Services, targeting what it calls the county's "hidden hungry," homebound seniors too isolated for neighbors or service providers to notice.
The Pasco County PIO promoted the nonprofit on X on Aug. 5, saying the organization provides nourishment and peace of mind for homebound seniors who might otherwise go unnoticed.
The numbers
Pasco County's population tops 650,000, with roughly 25% being seniors, according to Feeding Pasco's Elderly. That puts the senior population near 162,500, meaning tens of thousands may struggle to eat consistently.
A full year of nutritious meals for one senior costs $1,274, according to Pasco County government posts. That breaks down to about $3.50 a day.
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Local roots
Karen King, a Rotarian; John Porreca of SouthEast Personnel Leasing; and Richard W. Hayes of Digital Lightbridge Marketing Agency founded the nonprofit in May 2014. More than a decade later, the organization remains entirely volunteer-led and holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
The group has direct ties to Land O' Lakes. Nicole "Nikki" Hayes managed the Land O' Lakes Senior Center Commercial Kitchen project, which received $250,000 in state legislative funding, according to a Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recognition. Following fundraising events in 2017, the organization contributed $70,000 to Pasco County Senior Services to reduce the wait-list for meal services, drawing from a $50,000 Broadrick Foundation award and a $20,000 United Way grant.
Pasco County Senior Services lists both Feeding Pasco's Elderly and Meals on Wheels of America as community partners. The organization held its Annual Leadership Breakfast on May 6 at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, drawing elected officials, healthcare partners and business leaders to raise awareness about senior hunger in Pasco County.
How to help or get meals
Residents who need meal assistance, or who want to donate or volunteer, can call Feeding Pasco's Elderly at (727) 869-0642 or visit feedingpasco.com.
Donations are tax-deductible.
