United Way North Central Florida Awards $40,500 to Cedar Key Food Pantry for Refrigerated Trailer to Strengthen Food Security and Disaster Readiness
United Way North Central Florida is proud to announce a $40,500 community investment to the Cedar Key Food Pantry to support the purchase of a refrigerated trailer that will significantly expand the pantry’s capacity to store, transport, and distribute fresh, nutritious food to residents in Cedar Key and surrounding communities.
United Way staff joined Cedar Key Food Pantry leadership, volunteers, and community members on May 14, 2026 for the public unveiling of the new refrigerated trailer, marking an important milestone in the pantry’s ongoing efforts to meet growing community needs.
The trailer will allow the pantry to safely store temperature-sensitive food such as dairy products, proteins, and fresh produce—items that are often difficult to maintain without adequate cold storage. The additional capacity will also improve food rescue efforts by enabling the pantry to accept larger donations and transport perishable food more efficiently.
For a coastal community like Cedar Key, the trailer also serves a critical emergency preparedness function. During severe weather events and extended power outages, reliable refrigerated storage can help preserve food supplies and ensure vulnerable residents maintain access to essential nutrition.
“Access to nutritious food is foundational to a healthy and resilient community,” said Amber Miller, President & CEO of United Way North Central Florida. “Cedar Key knows better than most communities how quickly daily life can be disrupted by storms and economic hardship. This investment helps ensure the Cedar Key Food Pantry can continue serving families not only during everyday challenges, but also when disaster strikes.”
The refrigerated trailer strengthens the pantry’s ability to serve residents year-round, especially households facing financial hardship. Across North Central Florida, many families are working hard yet still struggle to afford basic necessities, including food.
Sue Colson, director of the Cedar Key Food Pantry, emphasized the impact of the investment on local operations and service delivery.
“This trailer is a game changer for our pantry and for the families we serve,” said Colson. “It gives us the flexibility to rescue more fresh food, reduce waste, and respond more effectively during emergencies. We are deeply grateful to United Way North Central Florida and everyone who made this possible.”
United Way North Central Florida’s investment aligns with its Healthy Community and Community Resiliency impact priorities, which focus on improving access to basic needs while helping communities better withstand and recover from crisis.
Through strategic investments, partnerships, and community collaboration, United Way continues working to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities across North Central Florida.