Joseph Scherpf and David Jackson, both of Indian River County, are the newest members of Treasure Coast Food Bank’s board of directors. Both will serve as directors along with John Ekufu of Martin County and James Turcotte of St. Lucie County. Miguel Coty of Martin County remains board president. Rhonda Blakey of St. Lucie County will serve as vice president/secretary. Erin Cox of St. Lucie County will serve as treasurer, and Leo Capoccia of St. Lucie County is director at large

The new board was sworn in during Treasure Coast Food Bank’s annual meeting and awards luncheon Friday, June 14.

“We couldn’t do this without our volunteers,” said Treasure Coast Food Bank CEO Judy Cruz. “We’ve made invaluable relationships not only with some very dedicated individuals but also with partner agencies run largely by volunteers, civic organizations, and some incredible business partners who help us in all kinds of ways.”

Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program, an organization that gives grants to community agencies working to improve education, daily life, families, and health was honored with the Group Volunteer of the Year Award.

“It’s amazing that this program is run completely by volunteers,” said Coty. “They raise the money and distribute it where it’s most needed. In addition, many residents volunteer at a variety of local non-profits, including Treasure Coast Food Bank’s Mobile Pantries.”

Bill Heidrich of Hutchinson Island was named Individual Volunteer of the Year. Heidrich has volunteered for the past five years and helps wherever he is needed. He logged 310 hours with Treasure Coast Food Bank during last season.

This year’s Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award went to Seacoast National Bank. Since June 2012, the “Seacoasters” have spent one Saturday every quarter in the warehouse sorting food, making boxes and bagging bulk items. In addition, the Seacoast National Bank branch in south Vero Beach raised 1,000 pounds of food during the Holiday Food Drive.

“Working in the warehouse is not a glamorous assignment, but these volunteer efforts are essential to what we do,” Cruz said. “Our area corporations have become essential partners, and they help in every conceivable capacity. Past winners include Walmart and Tropicana who have done everything from helping build our coolers and freezers to serving on our board.”

Another essential group is those able to provide food. Retail partners actually provide the majority of food that Treasure Coast Food Bank distributes. The Retail Partner of the Year award went to Publix Super Markets.

“Of course everyone knows how much Publix contributes to our community,” Coty said. “Eliminating hunger is one of those causes. In the last fiscal year, Publix stores in our four-county area donated over one million pounds of food – that’s enough to provide 834,000 meals.”

One special entity was recognized for its outstanding partnership with Treasure Coast Food bank in its efforts to eliminate hunger. WellMed Medical Management received the 2013 Feeding Hope Award.

“WellMed partners with Treasure Coast Food Bank on many different initiatives,” Coty said. “They conduct health education programs at our Your Plate facility. During the Holiday Food Drive, their offices serve as drop off sites. They sponsor the Farewell Food Drive, and they donate funds to Treasure Coast Food Bank from their employee giving campaign. We consider this partnership priceless.”

ABOUT TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK

Treasure Coast Food Bank is the largest hunger relief agency on the Treasure Coast,  providing millions of pounds of food to over 200 charitable organizations in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, Treasure Coast Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security. For more information on Treasure Coast Food Bank, call 772-489-3034, log on to www.stophunger.org, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/tcfoodbank, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/tcfoodbank.