The Freedom Tour is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency located in Polk County, Florida. It is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and disaster relief in the community. The organization's primary mission is to provide essential food support and early intervention for students' nutritional health.
Since its establishment in 2016, The Freedom Tour has grown from operating out of a small carport to an impressive 115,000 square foot facility in the Lake Wales Eagle Ridge Mall. This facility
serves as a central hub, allowing the organization to efficiently distribute food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to communities, families, and partner agencies free of charge.
One of The Freedom Tour's core initiatives is providing support to at-risk populations in Polk County schools. The organization partners with Public Education Partnership (PEP) and other schools to ensure that students and families facing food insecurity have access to fresh foods, proteins, and dry goods. Every Friday during the school year, The Freedom Tour brings nutritious food directly to these schools, making a positive impact on the students' well-being and academic performance.
Beyond the school-based initiatives, The Freedom Tour organizes monthly pop-up food pantries in identified food deserts and low-income neighborhoods, motels, and trailer parks throughout Polk County. This strategic effort ensures that even those without transportation can access fresh foods and proteins.
Collaboration and partnerships are key to The Freedom Tour's success. Through strong alliances with various Polk County agencies, the organization plays a significant role in providing approximately one million pounds of product through around 143 food giveaways each month.
The organization's commitment extends beyond food assistance, hosting events such as teacher supplies give-outs, providing new dress clothes for students, community networking events, and back-to-school supply events. Additionally, The Freedom Tour supports Polk County Public Schools with over 200,000 snacks and drinks annually to aid tutoring and remedial programs, and an additional 100,000 snacks and drinks for athletic programs, after-school activities, parent nights, and tutoring sessions.
The Freedom Tour's close relationship with Polk County Schools allows them to directly support families who need assistance the most, contributing to reduced stress and anxiety among students and their families.
Overall, The Freedom Tour's comprehensive efforts, driven by its dedicated team and strategic partnerships, aim to create a brighter future for the students and families it serves, fostering a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive. By addressing food insecurity and promoting early intervention in nutritional health, the organization makes a lasting impact on the well-being and resilience of the Polk County community.
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