Early next week, Monica Jordan will receive her monthly food assistance benefits. With her Florida Access Card, she will be able to purchase a week's worth of meals for each of her 3 children. Monica, a part time student and full-time mother, is one of over 3 million Florida residents who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for help in purchasing grocery items. According to the Florida Department of Children & Families, food need is increasing with close to a quarter million Broward residents receiving government food assistance in 2011.

2-1-1 Director of Data Services, Steve Strickland, describes the numbers as staggering. "That's a significant percentage of our population receiving food assistance. People say the recession is over but the volume of calls to 

2-1-1 reveal that the affects of the recession are still very prevalent," Strickland said.

211 callers in need of food are often referred to agencies such as Cross Road Food Bank, Inc. - Food Bank & Pantry Program, LifeNet4Families, DCF ESS - Central - SNAP (Food Stamps) and Jubilee Center - Office of Social Concerns. More than ever, they include people that have never had to ask for help. Monica says, "I was working and still couldn't afford food for the month. I never thought of applying for assistance until I realized I couldn't both pay my bills and adequately feed my 3 children."

While government has carried an increased burden, it's not the only entity providing food assistance in Broward County. Strickland commends local food pantries and community groups who he says have long been key in providing much needed assistance to residents in need. He credits organizations such as LifeNet4Families which has struggled to meet the growing demand for food in Broward County. Lifenet4Families Director of Development Frank Fernandez says, "we're seeing record numbers of people in need of assistance. Unfortunately, some of those now in need of services are individuals who have previously donated to the organization."

Organizations like LifeNet4Families, Pantry of Broward and Cooperative Feeding and others need your help keeping the pantries filled. If you would like more information or locations where you can donate food please call
2-1-1 or visit www.211-broward.org.

A recent report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) has cited teen substance use as America's # 1 health problem. The report, posted on www.TEENSPACE211.org, found that 90% of adults who meet the medical criteria for addiction began smoking, drinking, or using drugs before age 18. The statistics show that addiction originates in the early teen years. The study also identifies alcohol as the preferred addictive substance among high school students.

"We're very concerned about these issues and it appears that teens are struggling with it," said Americorps VISTA member Ray Noah. 2-1-1 Broward's Teen Tapes, which provides important information to teens on substance abuse and other issues, received well over 11,000 calls during the 2010-11 fiscal year. 2-1-1 Broward routinely makes referrals to organizations such as Inspirations for Youth, Drug Free Youth Town, Spectrum Program, Starting Place and others who work with youth experiencing these issues.

Local mom, Elisa Gibson, finds the figures both disturbing and informative. "It's nerve racking to think that in all likelihood, my daughter will drink alcohol without me knowing it. I think it shows that we as parents have to pay more attention to what's going on around our kids." Elisa's sentiments are shared by CASA who lists several recommendations for parents including screening those teens most at risk for substance abuse and intervening as early as possible to prevent further use. 

Broward County is gearing up for the 2nd Annual BankAtlantic Non-Profit Academy Awards, set to take place on Friday, February 24th at 11am at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The nominees in each category were announced Tuesday night at a VIP reception at the home of Steve Savor.  The event was hosted by Broward Health and catered by Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza.  For a list of nominees or to "voice your choice" in the Publix Community Choice Award, visit 
www.211-broward.org/BANPAA