Volunteers at Epic-Cure were hard at work recently in Palatka, unloading over 32,000 pounds of food. This shipment, organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, included essential items like rice, flour, and canned vegetables. For many families in Putnam County, this donation came at the perfect time.
Sunny Mulford, Executive Director of Epic-Cure, emphasized how valuable these dry goods are. “Shelf-stable items like these are gold,” she said. “They help families stretch their budget and make ends meet.” Every month, Epic-Cure distributes around $2 million worth of free food, supporting a significant portion of Putnam County’s population, which faces considerable economic challenges.
The organization has a robust food distribution network, partnering with local churches and pantries. For instance, the South Putnam Christian Service Center, run by Carol Foil, provides food to roughly 100 families every Tuesday. “We started this 20 years ago,” Foil explained, noting the local need was unmet. Each family receives tailored food baskets that consider dietary restrictions and household size.
Epic-Cure began in 2019 after Mulford learned about the staggering amount of food wasted in America—nearly 40% of what is produced. “We knew we had to act,” she said. Now, Epic-Cure recovers food from various local sources and has expanded its reach across Putnam, Duval, Flagler, and St. Johns counties.
Recent data shows that around 10% of Putnam County residents receive food assistance from Epic-Cure, with programs serving a wide range of people, including working families and veterans. “The need here is enormous,” Mulford noted.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a crucial supporter, sending full truckloads of food and providing significant funding over the years, including an initial grant of $30,000. This partnership has allowed Epic-Cure to significantly increase its reach and efficiency.
As demand grows, Epic-Cure is expanding, currently constructing a new 10,000-square-foot warehouse in St. Augustine. “We processed 1.4 million pounds of food last month,” Mulford said. “This kind of growth requires more hands.” The organization welcomes volunteers to join in their mission to eliminate hunger in the community.
Illustrating the collaborative spirit, Mulford said, “If someone else is offering help, we want people to know about it. The goal is the same: no one in our community should go hungry.” For more details about volunteer opportunities or receiving food, check out Epic-Cure’s website.
For the latest on food assistance trends, refer to reports from organizations like the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and Feeding America, which highlight ongoing food insecurity issues across the nation.
