Gainesville, FL, August 21, 2026: As food insecurity continues to impact families across Alachua County, the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation is investing in a project that will expand cold storage capacity at Gainesville Community Ministry's food pantry. Supported by a matching grant from Rotary District 6970 and combined with proceeds from the Butler Town Center International Car Show and the Gainesville Harley-Davidson Chili Cook-Off, the project will fund significant improvements to the cold storage facilities at Gainesville Community Ministry

 

(GCM) helping GCM increase access to nutritious food for those who need it most. This project was originally introduced to the Foundation Board of Directors through the application process for the 2025 Wild Game Feast. Board members recognized the project's value and supported its goals; however, it was not selected among the top three projects funded that year. Rotary International allocates District Designated Funds that local districts may use for matching grants. By leveraging donations generated through these community events, the
Foundation was able to double the available funding through a District Grant.

“We are grateful to Butler Enterprises and Gainesville Harley-Davidson for choosing the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation as their charity of choice to receive the proceeds of their events in the past couple of years. We wanted to make a bigger impact with these funds and decided to apply for a Rotary International District Grant to further stretch those donations, double them, in fact. This funding will help the Gainesville Community Ministry Food Pantry address a critical community need in Alachua County. “ – Lynda Reinhart, 2027 President of the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation.

Gainesville Community Ministry provides emergency assistance to elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals and families throughout Gainesville and Alachua County. Food distribution is one of its largest services. In 2025, GCM distributed nearly 10,000 pounds of food. The food pantry served 4,872 families representing 6,455 individuals. GCM also serves as a USDA food distribution site, receiving, repackaging, and distributing food throughout the community.

 

"Expanding and improving our cold storage capacity will allow us to serve more families and provide much-needed support throughout Alachua County", said Executive Director Michael Wright. "This investment will help us meet growing community needs while increasing access to nutritious food.

 

For more information on this and other projects funded by The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation, contact Rotarian Wesley Eubank, info@rotarygainesville.org.