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5 Years Faster: ARPA-Funded Capital Improvements Expands Reach St. Pete’s Impact

by | Dec 20, 2023 | 5 Years Faster | 0 comments

Reach St. Pete can now reach even more families in vulnerable neighborhoods facing food insecurity.

A powerful collaboration between Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) and Pinellas County is making a remarkable difference in the lives of families facing food insecurity. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nonprofit Capital Project Fund, Reach St. Pete, a nonprofit founded by Alexia Sue Morrison, is now equipped with a transformative resource — a brand new transit van. This exciting development is another success story of PCF’s 5 Years Faster campaign and a major step forward in Reach St. Pete’s mission to combat hunger and provide vital assistance to those in need. PCF believes that these efforts (funded through ARPA grants) will help push the Pinellas Community forward, 5 Years Faster.

Unveiling the Van, Unleashing Impact

Made possible by the generosity of Pinellas County’s ARPA funding and powered by PCF’s grant making, this milestone marks a significant turning point in Reach St. Pete’s outreach efforts. The van acts as a mobile lifeline, increasing Reach St. Pete’s availability in food insecure neighborhoods across South Pinellas, bringing fresh groceries and nourishment to people in need. The new transit van expands the impact of the organization’s Pop-Up Pantry Program, reducing the number of times their Mobile Grocery Store needs to leave a neighborhood to restock.

Alexia Sue Morrison’s Vision: A Lifeline of Nourishment
Driven by her own experiences with hunger and homelessness as a teenager, Alexia Sue Morrison founded Reach St. Pete in 2016 with a heartfelt mission — to prevent others from enduring her former struggles. Since its inception, Reach St. Pete has made a profound impact, feeding over 15,000 Pinellas County citizens and preventing 700 families from facing homelessness due to lack of food.
Impact that Ripples Beyond
The transit van is not just a mode of transportation; it represents hope and dignity for people facing food insecurity. As Reach St. Pete continues its Pop-Up Pantry stops in neighborhoods grappling with food deserts, the van ensures more fresh, nutritious groceries are readily available. With over 134,000 Pinellas County residents experiencing hunger and over 30% living far from grocery stores, the van extends a lifeline to the community.

Powering Positive Change with ARPA

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nonprofit Capital Project Fund, administered by PCF in partnership with Pinellas County, has made this incredible initiative possible. The impact of ARPA goes beyond Reach St. Pete’s new van — it demonstrates a commitment to uplifting nonprofits and building a stronger, more resilient community, 5 Years Faster.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The success of Reach St. Pete’s mission is possible because of compassionate individuals like you. Together, let’s create a community where everyone has access to nourishment, support, and the opportunity to flourish.
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to learn more about 5 Years Faster and Pinellas Community Foundation.

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