There, they eat, participate in fun activities, watch movies and enjoy the fellowship. It is headquartered at Almost Home. The group helps the local area with food accessibility, paying close attention to seniors, and connecting folks with resources. Dean said food insecurity is a major issue for seniors in her small town of about 4, people and in neighboring communities like Beloit. The poverty rate for Sebring is Census Bureau.
His agency works with the schools and another pantry in Sebring to provide food. The problem is compounded by a lack of private and public transportation, also especially for seniors, she said. The nearest supermarkets are in Alliance and Salem. The closet store is 5 miles away by vehicle. But, by foot, it is a 2-hour hike one way. Dean said there have been calls to have bus or shuttle services in Sebring, but they never have materialized.
Harvesting Hope accepts food donations for blessing boxes and individual distributions in the community. Dean's family owns the funeral home, where she also works. The boxes are for all residents, not just seniors. Dean said she wants to add more boxes at other locations in the future.
Her group, which has volunteers, delivers non-perishable items to unsheltered individuals and families living in homeless camps. In February, it also will launch a home delivery service for dinners, similar to Meals on Wheels.
Harvesting Hope also does individual food distributions, which are scheduled, at Almost Home. Dean said an identification card is required to verify that individuals or families are local.
