During the month of July, the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) will partake in their 2nd Christmas in July food drive. Partnering with RCS Pinellas, whose mission is to feed the hungry, help families facing homelessness return to self-sufficiency and empower survivors of domestic abuse, FRLA Pinellas members will be collecting donations at their businesses to help contribute food to area food banks and pantries facing shortages.
“The summertime is the most critical time for food banks in the United States,” explains Pinellas Chapter Regional Director, Dannette Lynch. “Children are home for the summer, increasing the need for more food. Because of the higher demand, food shortages occur and a direct need for more donations increases. Our Christmas in July event encourages our local members to help give back to those in need within our community.”
During the 2018 Christmas in July food drive, FRLA Pinellas chapter participants collected just under 3,000 pounds of food. This year, the chapter hopes to surpass last year’s achievement.
Participating FRLA members will receive donation barrels to store their collections throughout the month of July. The Association is encouraging businesses and members to decorate and gift-wrap their donation barrels like a Christmas present. Internally, The Pinellas Chapter will be holding a contest for the most food collected by a business.
For more information on the Christmas in July food drive and participating members, contact FRLA Pinellas Chapter Regional Director, Dannette Lynch at 727-643-3404 or dannette@frla.org.
About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.4 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of its membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through SafeStaff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.
###