By Kathy L. Collins
Since the beginning of the 2013 National Hockey League (NHL) season, The Mosaic Company (Mosaic) has distributed nearly $300,000 to local non-profits, including ECHO of Brandon, through its Goals For Food Program. This is an initiative with the Tampa Bay Lightning. During the regular and playoff season, Mosaic donates $500 for every goal and $5,000 for every hat trick scored by the Lightning.
At the conclusion of this year’s regular season, $105,000 was distributed to 14 charities located in Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Manatee, Hardee, Charlotte, Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The non-profits included Feeding America Tampa Bay, ECHO of Brandon, United Food Bank of Plant City, The Thomas Promise Food Bank, Meal on Wheels Tampa, Meals on Wheels Plus Manatee, VISTE, Mulberry Service Center, Florida Association of Food Banks, Our Daily Bread, All Faith’s Food Bank, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Hardee Help Center and Cutting Edge Ministries.
Manager, Community Relations for Mosaic Christine Smith said, “Mosaic has built relationships with several food bank organizations in the central Florida area that provide food and meals to those in need.”
It is estimated that one in six in Central Florida suffer from food insecurity, which means not knowing from where their next meal will come.
Mosaic has become a key partner in the fight against hunger in the greater Brandon area. Smith said, “Mosaic has been working with Stacey Efaw, CEO of ECHO to provide assistance to those in need through the Goals for Food program, turkey distribution at the holidays, and other annual event sponsorships and donations. In addition, ECHO is an agency of Feeding America Tampa Bay, the largest distributor of food to those in need in the Tampa Bay area, and Mosaic also donates to Feeding America.”
Mosaic is a global leader which produces potash and phosphate. These products allow farmers around the world to increase crop yields. Mosaic’s mission statement is, “We help the world grow the food it needs.” Smith said, “As a company who supports the agricultural industry by supplying crop nutrients, one of our main areas for charitable giving focuses on hunger relief in our communities which is in line with our mission and a natural fit for Mosaic.”
For more information on Mosaic, visit www.mosaicco.com.
