4Roots November Newsletter
November 20234Roots November Newsletter
“Meet the Need”, formerly “Feed the Need”.
In 2020, Feed the Need Florida was founded to help individuals and families during COVID. 4Roots joined 4 Rivers Smokehouse to work with local farmers and other restaurants to provide food in locations across six counties in Florida. Beyond the tremendous need for food, many people who worked in the food service industry lost their jobs when restaurants were shut down. Feed the Need Florida provided jobs for hundreds of those restaurant workers, like Carmen Gibson who lost her job with 4 Rivers Smokehouse in March 2020.
Carmen returned to work with Feed the Need Florida to help with the production of food to be distributed to students and families from Orange County Public Schools. Later that year, she was promoted to program manager and today she works with community partners across the community to support those in need.
“The individuals and families that 4Roots serve are in different phases of their life, and food is one of the necessities they need, “ said Gibson. “Some are able to get food, but lack nutrition, while others deal with access to any type of food, transportation, etc. It is important to listen in order to meet them wherever they are in rebuilding their life. “
We have rebranded this program to better reflect the work Carmen and the 4Roots team are doing to Meet the Need in Central Florida.
2023 Paula Hawkins Family Champion Award
Carmen continues her work with Meet the Need and was recently awarded Orange County’s 2023 Paula Hawkins Family Champion Award for her efforts to uplift, encourage, and advocate for families in the community. The award is given annually to a person who has labored to protect children and strengthen families. Congratulations, Carmen!
Thank You for Supporting Feed the Need
Thank you to the following organizations for their support in 4Roots Meet the Need to help provide access to nutrient-dense Florida produce. The City of Orlando, Humana, Mead Family Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, Regions, Rotary Club of Winter Park, Verizon, Walmart, Wawa, Whole Foods Market, and more.
Grab the Family and Head to any 4 Rivers today!
This #GivingTuesday, @4riverssmokehouse will do a round-up to support Meet the Need! Round up your purchase to the nearest dollar to support the efforts of this program to assist our community’s needs.
If you cannot make it in, you can give by clicking the link below.
WWF Food Waste Warriors Grant
As part of our efforts to improve our food system, 4Roots is partnering with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to bring their Food Waste Warriors program to Orlando in four OCPS schools during the 2023-24 school year. Through this program, 4Roots is helping participating schools measure their food waste by leading cafeteria food waste audits with students during lunch periods. 4Roots will use the data collected to provide education and technical support to help each school develop and implement a food waste reduction strategy. Thank you for this opportunity, WWF!
Celebrating a Successful 4Roots Harvest Festival
The 4Roots team expresses gratitude for the support received during the 4Roots Inaugural Harvest Festival and GFG Solutions Sprout Sprint on October 28th, which raised over $60K to provide education, innovation, and action to create a strong local food system in Central Florida. We couldn’t have done it without you!
The event included a 4K run, live music, sponsor booths, and a farmers market. Community and wellness areas provided essential services. The festival brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate community.
Upcoming Events
This fun-filled 5K run/walk event is not just about getting active, but also about making a positive impact in our community.
December 10, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA 2178 Packing District Way, Orlando, FL 32804
