In response to the explosive growth in need, the Rotary Club of Oceanside-Jacksonville has partnered with BEAM to greatly expand its ability to provide fresh and nutritious food to those in need.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, BEAM is facing not only increased need but also the inability to host food drives. With twice as many people seeking food assistance than usual, BEAM has organized a “virtual food drive” accepting monetary contributions from the community. The Rotary Club, through annual fund-raisers and member contributions, plus a matching grant through the Rotary District, was able to provide a $9,000 food purchase to the effort.
“The Rotary contribution to our virtual food drive comes at such a critical time,” said BEAM Executive Director Lori Richards, “BEAM’s food bank normally collects enough food from retail groceries which, combined with church and synagogues and civic group food drives, provides sufficient food for about 550 people per month. In the first two weeks of April, 575 individuals were served at our food pantries.”
In addition to increased need, distribution of food is also changing as a result of COVID-19. Pre-boxed food allows for quick pick-up and distribution to low-income individuals, families and seniors across the community while decreasing the likelihood of virus spread.
“We continue to provide food for low income seniors and families at Mayport and Finnegan Elementary Schools," said Richards. "Rotary purchased not only shelf-stable food products, but very importantly, has provided labor to assist in packing the food for distribution.”
“BEAM is already set up to reach and help those most in need in our community,” said Club President Clarence Hill. “Contributing much-needed funds to this effort helps them serve more, faster, and it aligns with our mission and values as an organization.”
The club has had a long-standing relationship with BEAM, most recently in support of its Single Parent Project.
“We look forward to resuming our regular partnership once the crisis and most urgent need has passed” said Hill.
“BEAM is grateful to Rotary and our whole Beaches communities for the incredible support we receive to assure that no one at the Beach needs to fear becoming homeless, or not have food for their families” said Richards.
For more information about participating in BEAM’s virtual food drive, visit jaxbeam.org. To learn more about the Rotary, visit oceansidejaxrotary.org.
June 15, 2026
