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The relief packages passed by U.S. Congress in March are not enough to address the enormous problem of hunger nationwide and especially in Florida. Recent analysis shows that 32 percent of Florida households receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) were excluded from aid in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  This amounts to 526,632 households in Florida, including 335,349 children. Children who are hungry are more likely to be hospitalized and face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma. They are more likely to repeat a grade in elementary school, experience developmental issues, and have more social and behavioral problems in school than their peers. TAKE ACTION TODAY ...Read More

Dr. Gwendolyn Brown (Source: Manatee County Commission) Gwendolyn Brown, 68, who died in Bradenton on Friday, April 17, from complications related to the coronavirus, was one of the most original people you could ever meet. She was authentic too. And everyone at all times knew where they stood with her and you could expect to hear it directly from her.  It’s a trait not shared by every elected official. I first met Gwen at an advocacy training in the early 90’s hosted by the non-partisan Florida Center for Children & Youth (now Voices for Florida). At the time she was the Director of Head Start in Manatee County. During a ...Read More