Distributing food nearly on a daily basis to those in need has been the mission of The Neighborhood House for seven years.
Operated by the Beta Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. in Gainesville, the food distribution program is set up to decrease food insecurity in the community.
The non-profit organization has been meeting the needs of individuals and families who are homeless and struggling to make ends meet in the Gainesville community since 2010 and it was founded by Dennis Franklin on April 10, 2009. The men of Beta Pi began operating the program in 2017.
“Our growth can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, consistency with hours of operations, friendly and welcoming attitude toward all clients and word-of-mouth by our constituents,” said Michael Perkins, president of Beta Pi.
The food pantry serves moderate families who need food and other items or necessities. and the people they serve include children, the homeless and veterans.
The fraternity has expanded the food pantry’s reach to include University of Florida and Santa Fe College students and migrants, in addition to its core clients of children, the unhoused and veterans, Perkins said.
