House of Hope Receives Grant from Florida Blue Foundation
House of Hope’s efforts to feed the hungry and empower residents to overcome hunger and hardship have received a huge boost from Florida Blue Foundation’s 2022 Food Security Grant Program.
House of Hope will receive a total of $328,613 over four years to support its four client choice pantries, the Growing Hope Production Farm operations that produce fresh fruits and vegetables, case management for individuals looking to better their future, and innovative nutrition education programs for adults and children.
“We are honored at the confidence that Florida Blue Foundation has shown in House of Hope with this generous grant,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “Last year alone we distributed 2.1 million pounds of nutritious food to our clients and our 35 food bank partner agencies, together reaching more than 12,000 individuals monthly, and the demand continues to grow.”
Florida Blue Foundation invests in programs that are focused on advancing mental well-being, improving health equity, impacting food security, growing healthy communities, and addressing systemic racism and resulting health disparities.
“This grant comes at a time when House of Hope is preparing to expand to Okeechobee County. We’re opening a packing house at our Growing Hope Production Farm to increase our ability to supply our pantries and partners with fresh fruits and vegetables. Our grove of fruit trees is almost fully planted. And because we know that eating well leads to healthier people and better economic status, we continue to teach people of all ages how to eat healthier and be healthier,” Ranieri said. “We’re grateful to have Florida Blue Foundation as our newest partner.”
The extensive programs and services of House of Hope are provided at no cost to those in need. It depends on generous donors and volunteers throughout the community to meet its mission. For more information about ways to get help or give help, call House of Hope at 772-286-4673 or go to the House of Hope website www.hohmartin.org.
About House of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.
The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart and in Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.
House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.