Florida Food Pantry/Prescription Medication/Personal Care >> Fort Walton Beach Food Assistance >> Sharing & Caring of Okaloosa County, Inc. - Fort Walton Beach Center

  • Name: Sharing & Caring of Okaloosa County, Inc. - Fort Walton Beach Center
  • Address: 126 Beal Parkway SW
  • City: Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
  • Phone: 850.244.0778
  • Website: http://www.sharing-n-caring.org/
  • Contact Email:
  • Counties Served:
  • Basic Programs:
  • Description: Sharing & Caring opened its doors on January 2, 1985 as an emergency food bank providing a basic staple of foods for needy individuals and families. Originally established in a building donated by the First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, we relocated to 126 Beal Parkway in June 1992. Our current building and land, leased from First Presbyterian Church, were renovated extensively by volunteer labor and generous donations from the community. Sharing & Caring Inc. is a food source for the needy. Food is available to anyone in Okaloosa County who qualifies within our guidelines. Clients are greeted by a member of our welcome desk who assists with check in, paperwork, and general inquiries about services. Our trained volunteers then interview each client and perform a complete evaluation of the needs of the individual or family. Finally, our dedicated pantry staff manages our food inventory and fulfills each order based on client requirements. Our clients include families, children, seniors, the homeless, and those unemployed; they are often referred to us by churches, other social agencies or word of mouth. Clients may receive pantry items once every 30 days. The food assistance is intended to be a supplement; groceries provided typically supply meals for around three days. We also offer bagged lunches every Friday to those in need. A basic menu of food staples is given, including canned vegetables and fruits, pasta, beans, rice, canned tuna, peanut butter, eggs, milk, and other products, depending on availability. In addition to groceries provided, baby supplies and personal care products may be available. Availability of these items is contingent upon donations made by the community. They are not part of our standard stock. Although our primary goal is to provide food for those in need, Sharing & Caring offers outreach services, as well. Through networking, we can often refer a client to other resources for clothing, eyeglasses, household goods, shelter, or job opportunities. Additionally, we dedicate considerable resources to helping clients address their health care needs. Our Pettengill Prescription Program provides individuals with monetary vouchers to be redeemed at local pharmacies. These vouchers oftentimes cover the total cost of their medications or, at a minimum, significantly offset the expense associated with filling their prescriptions. Our partnership with the Okaloosa County Health Department has enabled us to work together as a team to qualify client needs and provide education about health care options, including free medication assistance programs, community medical services, and resources available directly through the Health Department, such as the One Problem Clinic. Through our continued relationship, we promote and support a healthier community. We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. We close at 11:30 am on the third Monday of each month for a general membership meeting and on Federal Holidays.

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