Cheap and Fresh!

One of the biggest complaints about healthy eating is that it costs too much. Here in Florida, we are fortunate to have fresh, local produce months before the rest of the country. Eating local fresh produce is not only healthy, but also cost-effective, since grocers don't have to pay a premium for shipping it in from far away.

For a list of what's in season now, visit the Fresh From Florida webpage and look for the "Fresh from Florida" label on produce in your local grocery store.

Animeals - Donated Pet Food for Low-Income Families

During economic lean times, it can be a challenge to feed all of the people in your family, let alone your pets. The SPCA Suncoast, in conjunction with Volunteer Way food bank, offers "Animeals", a program that enables qualified families to receive dog and/or cat food on a regular basis.

If you have the means, consider donating dry cat or dog food and treats to the SPCA Suncoast. They accept donations at the shelter from 12-6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Visit the SPCA Suncoast's website for more information about Animeals and the other services they offer.

The SPCA Suncoast is located at 7734 Congress Street, New Port Richey, FL 34653. Their telephone number is (727)849-1048.

Miss the State Fair? Here's Another Chance at Funnel Cake!

If you didn't get a chance to get over to Tampa for the Florida State Fair this year, consider taking a trip to our very own Pasco County Fair in Dade City! Running from February 16th through the 22nd, the County Fair offers music, rides, the ever-popular racing pigs, great food, and much more! The County Fairgrounds are located at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Visit the Pasco County Fair website or call (352) 567-6678 for more details.

Low Cost Food in Your Neighborhood

Looking for ways to decrease your grocery bill? Check out Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the United States.

Each month, a menu is released with the contents of the basic box. Each box, or "unit", is enough to feed a family of four for one week, or a single senior citizen for almost a month. A basic unit costs $30 and contains $40-$70 worth of name-brand grocery items. Specialty boxes, including steaks and fresh produce, are also available for an additional cost.

Angel Food Ministries does accept Food Stamps, but there are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications to participate. Just contact your local host site for more information and to order.

In Pasco County the following are host sites for Angel Food Ministries:

HUDSON
Nature Coast Family Fellowship
Jacqueline Almond, Host Site Director
14832 US 19 North
Hudson, FL 34667
727-271-4662

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Maria Hightower, Host Site Director
14236 Countyline Road
Hudson, FL 34667
727-856-8336

NEW PORT RICHEY
Christ Fellowship, Inc.
Tracy Taylor, Host Site Director
5718 Grand Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-773-7943

TRINITY/TARPON SPRINGS
Lakeside Community Church
Toni Hutchison, Host Site Director
475 East Lake Rd. N.
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
727-421-5942

Tax HELP!!

Do you need help plowing your way through your income taxes this season? AARP's Tax Aide program can help! Volunteer tax preparers will help you get your forms filled out for free! There is no age requirement for using this service. Find the location nearest you and contact information here!

Don't forget, you can also call the United Way of Pasco at 211 for this contact information as well as other services that may be helpful to you.

Happy filing, everyone!

Got an Analog TV You Don't Need?

With the transition to Digital TV transmission imminent, many people have upgraded their old analog tv sets to newer digital versions. If you are one of these people and are at a loss as to what to do with your old but still working tv set, consider donating it to PAWS for their thrift store!

PAWS is a non-profit, low cost spay and neuter clinic located in Port Richey. Their thrift store is located at 14925 US 19 in Hudson.
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Their phone number is (727) 868-2218.