Food for
Thought

Every day, before the sun rises over Winter Garden, the team at Matthew’s Hope is already in motion—loading trucks, packing supplies, and preparing to meet people where they are. For the thousands experiencing
homelessness in Central Florida, survival hinges on more than just shelter. It starts with food: simple, protein-packed meals that don’t require a kitchen, refrigeration, or even a can opener..

The first thing people need to understand about the homeless situation is how different “homelessness” is from poverty. Both are serious conditions, of course, but being homeless impacts people’s lives in very specific ways—especially when it comes to food.

Homeless individuals have no refrigeration, no storage facilities, and no way to cook. They may not even have a can opener. In many instances, they have limited access to clean water. They also have no access to computers, cellphones, or transportation. Though Matthew’s Hope sends out fleets of trucks and minibuses to city bus stops across the area, it’s not enough. Often, our homeless friends must carry everything they own inside a backpack—including their food and water.

What does this mean? It means that ideal food donations come in small-sized cans, preferably with pop-tabs. Large cans are problematic because food that isn’t eaten in one sitting will often spoil without proper storage. Spoiled food becomes a health hazard.

Nutrition is also a challenge, as it’s difficult to find food that is both nutritious and conveniently packaged. Protein is especially critical. That means beanie weenies, pork and beans, Spam, and tuna fish.

Scott Billue, Founder of Matthew’s Hope, adds, “Vienna sausages are very popular with our people because many of them have trouble chewing, and those sausages are soft.”

Shelley Bradford, president of Matthew’s Hope, continues, “Protein. Protein. Protein. That’s the key. Protein drinks like Ensure or Boost, or Frog Protein Pouches—bodybuilders love those. Then, of course, we need canned vegetables and fruit to go with the protein. But in smaller cans, when possible. I know we sound picky, and we don’t mean to be. It’s just the reality of doing the best we can for our people.

“Even something as simple as water,” Scott continues. “They say everyone should drink six to eight glasses of water a day—but for those living outside, that’s not even close to what they truly need to survive.”

Something so simple shouldn’t be so hard, but Scott puts it in stark terms: “Although our donor base has grown for 15 years in a row, our average donation is down approximately 60% since the pandemic. The need has simply outgrown our existing donor base.”

He adds, “The people in our Winter Garden area have been incredibly generous and have stepped up in a big way. We are so grateful for their compassion and generosity. They inspire us to keep Matthew’s Hope growing and serving those who need us most.

“We encourage all who wish to donate to bring their donations to us on a Matthew’s Hope campus in Winter Garden.”

Donations are accepted
Monday through Friday
8:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday until noon, or by appointment.

Amazon Food Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3SFSHNFT08WBH

To support financially
https://matthewshopeministries.harnessapp.com/wv2/donate