Page 14 - Talk of Tequesta - September '24

Page 14, The Talk Of Tequesta

Commissioner’s Update

Declaring September 2024 As National Hunger Action Month

By Vice Mayor G. Marino

In recognition of the District are considered economically disadvantaged. This and advocating for
ongoing battle against hunger troubling figure reflects broader socioeconomic challenges, policy changes that
and food insecurity, the Palm as many households are contending with financial instability. can create long-term
Beach County Board of Additionally, according to the latest ALICE report, 46 percent solutions.
County Commissioners will of county households are struggling to make ends meet. National Hunger
proclaim September 2024 ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Action Month in Palm
as National Hunger Action Employed, represents a significant and growing demographic: Beach County is a
Month. This declaration is individuals and families who are employed but unable to reaffirmation of the
part of a larger, nationwide afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, county’s commitment
campaign designed to inspire transportation, healthcare, and technology. to these efforts. It
action and raise awareness The county’s commitment to addressing hunger is not new. serves as a call to
about hunger in the United In 2015, the Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration action for all residents
States, a problem that persists even in affluent areas like Palm with the United Way of Palm Beach County (UWPBC), to become involved
Beach County. developed the Hunger Relief Plan for Palm Beach County. in the fight against hunger, whether through volunteering,
Despite the county’s overall wealth, the reality is stark This strategic plan marked the beginning of a collective impact donating, or simply raising awareness about the issue. If you
for many residents. According to Feeding America’s “Map initiative aimed at reducing hunger throughout the county. are considering donating food, local food pantries and our local
the Meal Gap” report, more than 173,000 residents of Palm Since then, the UWPBC’s Hunger Relief team has continued food bank are always looking for food that is “shelf stable” or
Beach County struggle with hunger, including 50,890 children to lead these efforts, working with more than 150 partners to nonperishable. If you have the resources, you may also want
who do not have enough to eat on a daily basis. This statistic address various facets of food insecurity. to consider donating less common items like a can opener,
underscores the critical importance of initiatives like Hunger The Hunger Relief Plan has made significant strides in boxed milk, oil, spices, cake mix, and frosting. Your thoughtful
Action Month, which seek to mobilize the community in several key areas, including addressing childhood hunger, senior donations can help bring joy and dignity to those in need.
addressing these disparities. hunger, and increasing access to fresh produce in underserved For more information on food and nutrition resources,
As of June 2024, over half—54 percent—of the families areas like the Glades. The plan also focuses on building the please visit: https://discover.pbcgov.org/communityservices/
with children enrolled in the Palm Beach County School necessary infrastructure to alleviate hunger more effectively communityaction/Pages/Food-Nutrition.aspx.

peT maTTers

The Pet Cottage Post

Senior Pitbull Avoids Shelter And large breed dog like Whipper is no easy task, and being Whipper’s journey is just one example of the incredible
Finds New Forever Home a Pitbull posed additional challenges. However, The Pet mission at work at The Pet Cottage. Every day, pets who lose
Robert was a senior gentleman Cottage is dedicated to finding homes for pets who lose their humans due to death, disability or deployment receive
who lived in Lauderdale by the their humans due to death, disability, or deployment, and the highest level of care and support. The Pet Cottage also
Sea with his disabled wife and they were determined to help. provides pet companionship for senior people and covers
their 8-year-old black Pitbull, Meanwhile, Lisa and her daughter Alyssa were on the all veterinary expenses.
Whipper. The bond between Robert Forever Guardian waitlist at The Pet Cottage and preferred Happy stories like this are possible because of support
and Whipper was unbreakable; the a large dog. All parties participated in a meet and greet at from YOU! To become a pet Superhero go to our website
two had been together since the pup arrived at 10 weeks Lisa and Alyssa’s home to determine if this was a good and make a donation today. Your heart will instantly grow
old. They enjoyed daily neighborhood walks, visiting match. Laughter and tears filled the room as Whipper began bigger, and you will feel incredible!
Whipper’s friends at the tennis courts and the local fire bonding with his new family. Go to https://www.thepetcottage.org or call (561) 818-
department. His fans greeted him with affection and of Today, Whipper is living a new dream and his tail 5025 for more information.
course, lots of treats. continues to wag.

At the community dog
park, Robert and Whipper Life moves fast—
socialized with their human

and furry friends. Whipper prepare for the unexpected
was loving, playful, and
completely broke the with Accident Insurance.
stereotype of his breed. He
was always happy, whipping
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to everyone’s delight. He and
Robert were adored by all.
Tragically, in July Robert We’re here to help.
had a sudden heart attack
and passed away. With
Robert gone, his wife was Wendy Derhak with Whipper Accident insurance complements your Florida Blue Health Plan. Call to learn more
unable to care for Whipper. about insurance plans from USAble Life.
Thankfully, the most amazing neighbors stepped in to
help this 109-lb. sweetheart whom they had come to love. M&A Insurance and Financial Services Inc.
Kelly and Jeff, (the neighbors) came daily to walk and
feed Whipper. They even started a GoFundMe campaign to 561-440-9940
support his care. Everyone knew that taking him to a shelter
could lead to a heartbreaking outcome. M&A Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is an Independent Broker of Florida Blue.
Florida Blue is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Supplemental, Life, and Disability products are offered by USAble Life. USAble Life is an independent company
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and exhausting and operates separately from Florida Blue.
all known avenues, the neighbors discovered The Pet 22L-USAL-0872 112941 1222
Cottage and reached out for assistance. Rehoming a senior,