By Banks Vadeboncoeur

Tables are blanketed in oranges, reds, and greens during Thanksgiving dinner. Gently roasted potatoes, honey glazed turkey, and freshly baked pumpkin cheesecake waft from the oven. On Christmas, hearty feasts are eaten and grins are shared as children stuff yeast rolls and mince pies onto the same plate. Even on an average evening, a meatloaf is split between a family of four while the dog scrounges for any pieces that may drop.

   Multiple American families, particularly those in St. John’s County, do not have to worry about putting meals on the table. The blessing of having a food-filled pantry, therefore, is often overlooked. Unwanted food is carelessly thrown out, drinks are left to expire, and produce to mold. These actions are done without malice, yet their impact is massive. 30 to 40 percent of America’s food supply ends up in landfills. Annually, food waste is also the largest component in landfills, making up 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.

   These staggering numbers shocked Sunny Mulford, the founder of the local nonprofit organization Epic-Cure, and was a clear call to action. With the help of her husband Ken, Sunny founded Epic-Cure Inc. in 2018. Epic-Cure, a 100 percent volunteer organization, has since helped fight the astonishing amount of food waste in Northeast Florida through food rescue and distribution. Nine and a half percent of St. Johns County households are experiencing food insecurity, and Epic-Cure provides food to many of these homes.

In total, Epic-Cure has provided approximately 70 pounds of food around 89,000 times to families experiencing food insecurity.

What does Epic-Cure do? 

   The process in which Epic-Cure rescues and redistributes food is both efficient and effective. Epic-Cure is reliant on community volunteers who are willing to give their time to the cause. First, donated food is picked up from grocery stores, food pantries, and various other donors. Volunteers then assist in organizing this food in local Epic-Cure warehouses throughout the week. Volunteer opportunities are updated weekly on Epic-Cure’s Facebook Volunteer Group. “Last time I volunteered for Epic-Cure, I sorted meat and unloaded trucks,” explained sophomore, Ellie Goodfriend, who recently volunteered in Epic-Cure’s St. Augustine facility.

   After being sorted, food is distributed to those who are food insecure in the community. This has an incredible impact on the lives of those in need. In total, Epic-Cure has provided approximately 70 pounds of food around 89,000 times to families experiencing food insecurity. Mulford stated, “By us providing that food on a regular and consistent basis… senior citizens might be able to purchase medicine that they couldn’t have otherwise purchased. Working families… will say that because of the food they didn’t have to buy, they were able to pay their utility bills, or make their car or mortgage payments.”

   In addition to providing families with food, Epic-Cure also helps the local children form life skills and build their resumes. This assistance is provided in the form of cooking classes, in which local chefs and senior volunteers instruct school-aged children. Through this effort, local youth learn to feed their own families and lead a healthier lifestyle.

What can you do to help?

   Although Epic-Cure facilities are always accepting volunteers, the most practical way to assist this organization is by joining the Ponte Vedra High School Epic-Cure Club. This club will be accepting members at the Club Fair. Not only does the club provide service hours for Bright Futures, it is also a very effective way to give back to the community. Club President, senior, Evan Fleischer, claims, “We work really closely with the owners and it is a way to spread the word about the cause. We also do food distributions around the school.” The club meets monthly and hosts multiple volunteers events throughout the year.

   In addition, somebody can get involved with Epic-Cure by volunteering in their local warehouses. Volunteer dates and locations are updated weekly on the Epic-Cure website and on Epic-Cure’s Facebook Volunteer Group. Epic-Cure also accepts monetary donations through their website. This helps Epic-Cure’s food rescue initiative and allows more underprivileged children to attend cooking classes.

   Epic-Cure is an outstanding organization for an even more important cause. It sheds light on the fact that although most people in our community are fortunate and have ample food supply, thousands continue to suffer from food insecurity.