FHP food drive is underway

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

The annual Florida Highway Patrol “Stuff the Charger” Food Drive began Nov. 1 and will run throughout the month.

The food drive, named after the familiar black and tan FHP Dodge Charger cruisers, aims to help families in need by collecting non-perishable food donations for distribution to local food banks and nonprofit agencies. Donations sought include canned goods such as meats and vegetables; dried goods including boxed potatoes and grits; and energy bars, evaporated milk and more.

Capt. Gregory Lamont, acting commander of Troop B, which serves Hamilton, Suwannee, Alachua, Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Lafayette and Marion counties, welcomes “citizens and corporate sponsors to drop off large or small food donations” at FHP stations in Ocala, Gainesville, Cross City and Lake City, according to the press release.

“Our goal is to feed the hungry through our partnership with local food banks and other nonprofit agencies who do this important work on a daily basis,” Lamont said in the release.

The Ocala FHP Station is located at 600 SE 25th Ave. and can be reached by phone at (352) 512-6630.