Hardee Help Center

Please note: The Hardee Help Center lobby will be closed on Wednesday, June 24th, for staff training.

We plan to reopen on Thursday, June 25th. Thank you for your understanding as our team takes time to learn and prepare so we can continue serving our community well.

In today’s economy, a lot of families are searching for ways to make it from one paycheck to the next.

One simple place to start is by making a short list before you spend. Focus on the essentials first: food, gas, bills, and basic household needs. It can also help to plan your budget around when you actually get paid and when bills are due, instead of trying to plan a whole month at one time.

A simple plan will not fix every hardship, but it can help bring a little clarity in a stressful moment. And if food is one of the places your budget is feeling stretched, Hardee Help Center is offering a Summer Food Outreach for families and sharing information about other food assistance available throughout the county.

You are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help when your family needs it.

Some of the most important work happens quietly.

Before decisions are made, before needs are met, and before doors open for another week of service, our team prays.

We pray for the families we serve, the needs in our community, and the people carrying heavy things that others may never see.

Thank you for praying with us for Hardee County.

Hunger in rural America is not just a national issue. It reaches communities like ours.

According to Feeding America, 9 out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural. For many families, access to food, transportation, income, and support can all become connected challenges.

At the Hardee Help Center, we are grateful to serve our neighbors through our food pantry and community support programs. Thank you to every donor, volunteer, church, and community partner who helps make this work possible.

Together, we can help meet real needs right here at home.

Don’t miss this fun, free way to celebrate America’s 250th with your family!

Celebrating America 250 in the Heartland is coming up Friday, June 26 at the Hardee County Civic Center. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and both admission and parking are free.

The evening will include community singers, an orchestra, historical displays, free hot dogs, and more.

Find the Facebook event here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BHj5PHNnn/

There are a few simple ways you can help support the Hardee Help Center this month as we continue serving families through our Summer Food Program and ongoing outreach.

3 ways to help:

1. Shop our Amazon Wish List
These items help us restock needed food and supplies for local families.
Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/05JKw4Ib

2. Sign up for the Shared Table
Providing a breakfast casserole or lunch/dinner casserole is a meaningful way to support our homeless outreach ministry and help us care for the individuals we serve.
Shared Table sign-up: https://forms.gle/Ewz8pwka49Vj3Yi57

3. Share this post
Even if you are not able to give right now, sharing helps us get the word out to more people in our community.

Donations may also be shipped or dropped off at:
Hardee Help Center
1330 US-17
Wauchula, FL 33873

Thank you for helping us love and serve Hardee County families well. 💙💛

Local businesses, churches, and community partners, we would love to have you be part of Full Throttle Festival 2026! Sponsorship opportunities are available now, and every sponsorship helps support the Hardee Help Center’s Drive Out Hunger and Homelessness campaign.

For sponsorship information, email [email protected] or call 863-773-0034.

Looking for more event details? Visit the event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbQ15Nxwu/

Grocery prices can add up quickly, but a little planning can help stretch what you have.

One simple way to spend less is to build meals around affordable basics like rice, beans, pasta, eggs, canned or frozen vegetables, and meats that are on sale. These items can be used in lots of different meals and help make your grocery budget go a little further.

And if your family is in a season where the grocery budget still is not enough, please know you are not alone. Hardee Help Center is here to help our neighbors with dignity, care, and compassion.

As summer continues, we're grateful to offer pantry support for Hardee County families with school aged children. There are still opportunities to participate in our Tuesday Summer Food Program this month.

📅 June 16
📅 June 23
📅 June 30

Families may shop up to two times per month during June and July.

Shopping Hours:
9:00–11:30 AM
1:00–4:30 PM

Limited evening appointments are available after 5:00 PM for those who work during the day. Please call ahead to schedule. There is no application required. A brief demographic form will be completed during each visit.

Eligibility:
• Hardee County resident
• School aged child living in the home

📍 Hardee Help Center
1330 US-17
Wauchula, FL 33873

We are thankful for every family we have been able to serve so far this summer and look forward to continuing to meet needs in our community.

Our Summer Food Program is underway, and we are so grateful for the families we have already been able to serve.

As we prepare for another week of serving local families with schoolage children, we would be so thankful for help restocking our shelves. Our Amazon Wish List is an easy way to send needed items directly to the Help Center and be part of meeting a very practical need in our community.

Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/05JKw4Ib

Items can also be shipped or dropped off at:

Hardee Help Center
1330 US-17
Wauchula, FL 33873

Thank you for helping us love and serve our neighbors this summer.