About us

Why we run a rescue without a kennel.

For almost four decades, Leesburg Food Bank has served Lake County, Florida with free groceries, hot meals, and hurricane relief. We operate a daily pantry, a community kitchen serving breakfast and lunch six days a week, and a rapid-response stockpile that deploys after storms knock out power and paychecks.

Started in a Baptist fellowship hall in 1986, we have grown into one of the largest independent food banks in central Florida. We are not affiliated with any church today, though many of our volunteers come from faith communities across the county.

Florida has a hunger problem hidden by palm trees. Citrus workers, hotel staff, and retirees on fixed incomes make up most of our clients. Hurricane season doubles demand almost every year.

We are proud of our low overhead. Cents-on-the-dollar reporting puts us at ninety-three percent program spending, the rest split between building costs and a two-person administrative staff.

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%.