Food For Thought Begins Construction on "Full Circle Kitchen"

August 23, 2016
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
By: Jessica Roberts

FOOD FOR THOUGHT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON “FULL CIRCLE KITCHEN’

O.B. Laurent Construction Helps Local Nonprofit Bring Dream into Reality

Food For Thought Outreach has officially begun construction on their newest project, Full Circle Kitchen. As part of the long-term mission to end child hunger, the kitchen will help provide classes, host fundraiser dinners, and more in the years to come. The kitchen is being built within Food For Thought’s current Santa Rosa Beach Pantry as part of the organization’s growth into the community.

Food For Thought Outreach is moving into its sixth year serving Okaloosa and Walton Counties by providing weekly backpacks filled with healthy, easy to prepare food items to students receiving free or reduced lunch during the school year. Food For Thought estimates that the organization will serve 1,500 students across 20 schools during the 2016-2017 school year.

“This is our next step in fighting food insecurity in our community,” says Tiffanie Nelson, Food For Thought Founder & Executive Director. “We want to remove the barriers between acquiring and preparing healthy, nutritious food.”

Hilary Farnum, Food For Thought Board of Directors Member and Owner of Beachy Beach Real Estate, adds, “By meeting their basic need of food and combining that with teaching them a life skill, it empowers these children more than anyone could ever imagine. I think it's so amazing to think about the whole cycle - a business owner who currently supports Food For Thought might one day in the future employ these same children and break the cycle of poverty.”

Through the generosity of several community partners, including Howard Hospitality, The Pierce Family, and O.B. Laurent Construction, the original construction is fully funded! Projected to be completed in February 2017, classes will begin soon after. As part of the series of community classes, Full Circle Kitchen will provide opportunities for local students to come to the Santa Rosa Beach location to learn how to prepare meals, and as the classes progress provide the skills necessary to start a food service career.

“We at O.B. Laurent Construction are proud to be a partner in this project with Food For Thought. Giving back to our community is an integral part of our company’s mission. Seeing your contributions working to serve your own community is exceedingly more rewarding.,” says Warren Laurent, Director of Operations at O.B. Laurent Construction, Inc.

If you or someone you know would like to donate time, funds, or services to Food For Thought Outreach, please email info@fftfl.org or visit fftfl.org

About Food For Thought Outreach

Food For Thought is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL that provides backpacks filled with healthy, easy to prepare food for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals. Our goal is to support a child’s development and educational experience by bridging the gap between school meals during weekends and holiday breaks.  Food For Thought has been working to fight child hunger since 2010, and currently serves 20 schools in Walton and Okaloosa Counties, providing backpacks for 1,500 students each week. For more information, such as donation locations, pantry items needed, and opportunities to volunteer, please email info@fftfl.org.

About O.B. Laurent Construction, Inc.

A distinguished leader in custom home building, O.B. Laurent Construction, Inc., is recognized for their architectural detail, design, and craftsmanship of the highest quality and standard. The family owned and operated company has been building in the South Walton area of the Florida panhandle since 1991. Their integrity has allowed them to develop long standing relationships with their clients. Featured in Southern Living, Coastal Living, Birmingham Home & Garden, VIE, and Design Bureau Magazine.