WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — More than 700 cars came through a drive-thru food drive in Wesley Chapel on Wednesday, demonstrating the continuing need for food among residents out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic.


What You Need To Know


  • Farm Share gave out 33,000 pounds of food, including fresh produce and chicken

  • So far, Farm Share has given out 22 million pounds of food across the state

  • More food drives on the way

  • More Pasco County stories

Farm Share put out 33,000 pounds of food, which included fresh produce and chicken, at the Shops at Wiregrass. At least 50 volunteers showed up to help.

Farm Share gets produce and meat donated from farmers around Florida. Since the pandemic started, they’ve given out 22 million pounds of food across the state.

“We are busy,” said Dave Reynolds with Farm Share. “The food is coming in left and right and we’re trying to get it out the door as fast as we can.”

One of the things that made this food drive unique is all of the fresh produce that was offered.

“That’s wonderful. Very special to me. I love fruits and vegetables,” said Pasco County resident Sara Dixon.

It wasn’t just families getting food. Some groups like soup kitchens were able to stock up as well.

“Oh my gosh. This is huge,” said Peggy Ciminera of Grace Family Church. “This can feed so many people.”

The drive was hosted by State Rep. Randy Maggard and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“We’ve had non-stop traffic,” Moore said. “The good thing is that we’re able to feed people. The bad thing is we do have this many people coming through. It shows how many people are in need right now.”

Farm Share has been setting up food drives across the state since the beginning of March. They plan on holding more as they’re needed.

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