Inside the Fight Against Local Hunger
In the heart of Palm Harbor, a quiet crisis is unfolding — one that many don’t see while driving through our beautiful neighborhoods and historic streets. But behind the scenes, thousands of families, seniors, and children are struggling to afford their next meal. That’s where organizations like Dunedin Cares step in, leading the fight against local hunger with compassion, creativity, and community.
In this week’s episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway sits down for an eye-opening conversation with Kristina Garcia, Executive Director of Dunedin Cares and President of the Palm Harbor Main Street Association. Together, they talk about the real numbers behind food insecurity in our area and what’s being done to help — one meal, one backpack, and one act of kindness at a time.
Hunger Hiding in Plain Sight
It’s easy to assume food insecurity is a problem found somewhere else — not in our community. But according to Kristina, over 40% of people in Pinellas County lack consistent access to food, and all of the public schools in Dunedin are classified as Title I, meaning a large percentage of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. That statistic alone is staggering.
The pantry serves many working families, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, and even students. These aren’t people who don’t want to work — in fact, Kristina says more than half of their clients are employed. The issue? After paying for rent, prescriptions, car repairs, or childcare, there’s often nothing left for food.
A Community-Led Response
Dunedin Cares is more than just a food pantry — it’s a full-service operation powered by a small staff and over 150 dedicated volunteers. The organization provides:
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Weekly food access to families in need
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Kids’ meal backpacks to help children eat during weekends and summer
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Support for shut-ins, seniors, and veterans
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Pop-up pantries for people without transportation
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Supplies for trafficking victims and students who need privacy when accessing help
Guests are invited into a warm, grocery store-style setting where they can shop with dignity, choosing the items that work best for their family. This choice-based model helps reduce waste and empowers people to maintain a sense of normalcy during hard times.
In 2023, the pantry provided over 620,000 pounds of food, up from just 150,000 pounds a few years ago. That’s a 23% increase in just one year — and the demand continues to rise.
Why the Problem is Growing
One of the biggest drivers of local hunger is the affordability crisis. With rising housing costs, utility bills, and basic living expenses, families are often one unexpected expense away from needing help.
Kristina also highlights how financial literacy and education can play a huge role in breaking the cycle. Many people simply haven’t been taught how to budget, compare costs, or plan ahead. In the future, Kristina hopes to bring financial planners into the pantry to offer basic training for anyone who wants to learn.
She also points out that a growing number of people who once needed help are now volunteering. That full-circle transformation shows what’s possible when a community invests in itself.
How You Can Help
The fight against local hunger isn’t just the job of nonprofits. It takes a village — and there are plenty of ways to get involved:
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Donate: Monetary donations help the pantry buy essential food items, often at reduced rates through Feeding Tampa Bay.
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Volunteer: From stocking shelves to packing bags, volunteers are the heart of the operation.
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Support Events: Dunedin Cares hosts a gala and other fundraisers throughout the year to keep their mission moving forward.
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Spread the Word: Awareness is the first step. Share their story with your network or check in on someone who might need help.
Beyond the Pantry – Reviving Palm Harbor’s History
Kristina doesn’t just help feed families — she’s also leading the charge to revitalize downtown Palm Harbor through the Palm Harbor Main Street Association. Their goal? To preserve the town’s rich history and create a walkable, vibrant downtown that residents and visitors can enjoy for generations to come.
Plans are underway to celebrate Palm Harbor’s 100-year anniversary this July, including a pop-up museum, vendor fairs, and a downtown street festival. The initiative is part of a broader mission to honor the past while building a stronger future — something Kristina is deeply passionate about.
Real Change Starts Locally
From tackling food insecurity to restoring our downtown, Kristina’s work is a powerful reminder that local change is possible — and necessary. The challenges may be big, but so is the heart of this community.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, start by listening, learning, and lending a hand. Because when we show up for each other, we all thrive.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
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[Palm Harbor Main Street Association (coming soon)]
