About us

Why we run a rescue without a kennel.

The Leesburg Food Bank works to alleviate hunger in the City of Leesburg and adjacent communities. We distribute food and essentials to families in Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Lady Lake, and Okahumpka. A volunteer-managed 501(c)(3) since 1982, we also accept non-food donations such as clothing, household goods, and medical equipment for clients and partner programs.

We opened in 1982 out of a simple observation: Lake County had plenty of food and plenty of families who could not afford it. Four decades later we still run as a volunteer-managed operation on North 13th Street, with the same focus.

Our clients include working families stretched thin, seniors on fixed incomes, and citrus and hospitality workers whose hours fluctuate with the season. Hurricane season regularly doubles our visits, and we keep a pantry reserve for exactly that.

We are proud that after more than forty years we still run on volunteers. Nobody on our team takes a salary that a donor would recognize. The money feeds people.

Leadership and governance

We are governed by a five-member volunteer board that meets quarterly. Day-to-day operations are led by a small paid staff. Full bios and our annual Form 990 are available on request.

Financial transparency

Our most recent audit is available upon request at [email protected]. Over 91% of expenses fund direct animal care. Administrative costs run under 6%; fundraising under 3%.