Concern about having enough money to pay for basic living needs is a real problem for at least 12 percent of the people in the Jacksonville area because they live in poverty. As the economy continues to create hardship for thousands, an increasing number of people in our community are forced to make the hard choice between eating and paying their rent or mortgage. Especially vulnerable are the working poor and their families. In the Jacksonville area, one in six adults and one in four children (more than 117,000) are at risk of going to bed without dinner each night.

For every dollar raised, Second Harvest North Florida can generate seven meals for people in need, which are distributed to more than 450 member agencies that feed these families in need.

Each year volunteers representing the local restaurant community host an event called "The Jacksonville FOODFIGHT" that features 60 of Jacksonville's finest restaurants and beverage wholesalers/distributors who come together in friendly competition to "take a bite out of hunger" by raising funds and awareness for Second Harvest North Florida. More than 1,200 guests are tempted to taste everything they see from the glorious variety of the finest foods and spirits displayed throughout two floors of the fabulous Touchdown Club East at EverBank Field. Live musical entertainment and two exciting raffles round out the evening.

The event was started in 1989 by a local committee that has helped build it into one of the premier party experiences on the First Coast each year. Eddie Fink is the committee chairman, while Bob Conrad handles graphic design and Jim Mace manages operations and logistics of the event - including setup and breakdown.

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the local event. All proceeds benefit Second Harvest North Florida. Since 1989, the Jacksonville FOODFIGHT has raised more than $1 million in the fight against hunger - a total that translates into more than seven million meals provided for people in need throughout north Florida.

For more infomation contact Tia R. Ford at 904.739.7074 or email her at tford@WeNourishHope.org.