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  • Lake Cares Food Pantry Faces Critical Shortages as Demand Increases by 500 Families Per Month

    ChamberCommunityHuman InterestPress Release

    Lake Cares Food Pantry Faces Critical Shortages as Demand Increases by 500 Families Per Month

    Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce calls on businesses and residents to rally in support of families facing food insecurity



    Mount Dora, FL — February 23, 2026     — Lake Cares Food Pantry is urging the community to provide immediate support as food donations decline while demand continues to rise sharply across Lake County.

    The pantry is currently serving more than 500 additional families each month compared to normal levels, placing increasing strain on available resources and leaving shelves increasingly bare.

    “We’re welcoming hundreds more families each month than we normally serve, and that increase is happening while donations are slowing,” said Kelsey Gonzalez, Executive Director of Lake Cares. “That combination is challenging, but it’s also why community support right now is so critical. When people step up — whether by donating food, giving online, or sharing our message — it directly translates into meals for families who need them.”

    The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Lake Cares to amplify the call for support and encourage immediate community action.

    “Lake Cares is telling us they need help, and we should listen,” said Rachel O’Ryan, President of the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce. “As demand rises and pantry shelves run low, the Chamber is urging our business community and residents to act now and help make sure no family in our region goes without food.”

    Community members can support Lake Cares in several ways:

    • Donate food in person Monday, Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
    • Give online at www.lakecares.org
    • Send items directly through Lake Cares’ Amazon wishlist
    • Share information to raise awareness and encourage others to help

    Community members can help restock Lake Cares’ shelves by donating high-need pantry staples such as canned proteins, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, shelf-stable meals, and other non-perishable food items, as well as essential household goods. Donations may be dropped off in person Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Supporters can also purchase items directly through Lake Cares’ Amazon wishlist, which reflects the pantry’s most urgent, real-time needs and allows items to be shipped directly to the organization:
    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/XAC4Y0Z1265.

    Financial contributions can be made securely online at www.lakecares.org. Lake Cares also welcomes volunteers to assist with daily operations and food distribution; information and sign-up details are available at https://lakecares.org/volunteer/.

    The Chamber encourages local businesses, organizations, and residents to consider hosting donation drives, engaging employees, or sharing Lake Cares’ message to help meet this urgent and growing need.

    For more information about Lake Cares Food Pantry or ways to give, visit www.lakecares.org.

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    About Lake Cares Food Pantry

    Lake Cares Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families across Lake County, Florida by providing access to nutritious food and essential resources. Through community partnerships, volunteer support, and donor generosity, Lake Cares works to address food insecurity and support the well-being of neighbors in need. In addition to food distribution, the organization connects families with resources that promote stability, dignity, and long-term resilience.

     

    Lake Cares Food Pantry is located at 4500 N Highway 19A, Mount Dora, FL 32757 and can be reached at 352-383-0100. For more information or to learn how to support Lake Cares Food Pantry, visit www.lakecares.org.

    About Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce

    The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization dedicated to strengthening the local business community in Mount Dora and the surrounding area. The Chamber’s mission is to “Promote, Support & Empower Member Success” through advocacy, education, networking opportunities, and community engagement. Learn more at www.mountdora.com. 

     

    Media Contact: 

    Spencer MacDonald, Communications Director for MDACC

    media@mountdora.com


     

    Lake Cares Food Pantry Faces Critical Shortages as Demand Increases by 500 Families Per Month

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