More than 3,400 Polk kids receive free meals from kidsPACK each week, and the need is rising. | Photo provided by kidsPACK/Melissa Harp
According to the United Way of Central Florida, 11.2% of Polk County residents experience food insecurity, and local food programs are feeling the squeeze with record-high distribution. Lend a hand to neighbors in need by donating groceries, money, or your time to these Lakeland food banks.
kidsPACK
Program Manager Amy Royal told us there are 122 children on kidsPACK’s waitlist. Sponsor a child for the rest of the school year for $400, or donate the program’s most-needed food items.
United Way of Central Florida
UWCF serves 300,000+ visitors per year through its George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative, including local food pantries. It also reactivated its United Community Relief Fund, which is now accepting donations for emergency food assistance.
Dream Center of Lakeland
Donate unexpired food, clothing, and hygiene items to stock weekly distribution events. The Dream Center also put out a call for volunteers available on weekday mornings.
It’s fun to stay at the Bob Adams Community Family YMCA. The newly renovated and renamed Y is now open, featuring the George Jenkins Fieldhouse, additional parking, and new childcare centers. Next, the historic building will get a fresh look and infrastructure updates. (LkldNow)
Traffic
CSX will close two railroad crossings for essential upgrades this month. The North Crystal Lake Drive crossing will be closed Monday, Nov. 10-Thursday, Nov. 13, and the one at North Florida Avenue will be closed Saturday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 16.
Closed
Charlie’s Mini Donuts shared that as of yesterday, it has permanently closed — but donut cry just yet. The shop teased that a new restaurant called Cafe 51 will open in its place.
Edu
Enrollment for the Schools of McKeel Academy is now open through Monday, Nov. 17. In addition to three Lakeland charter schools, the 2026 school year will also see the opening of McKeel Academy Mulberry for students from preschool to 6th grade.
Community
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is giving back to veterans by offering free passport photos at its three offices all month long. Just bring an ID with a military designation to snap your free photo and start planning a trip.
Cause
Here’s another way to help locals in need. Honeycomb Bread Bakers’ cafe is giving free meals to anyone with a SNAP EBT card while benefits are paused. Donate to fund the program — any surplus funds will go to The Mission of Winter Haven + Meals on Wheels.
Kids
Snickers and Smarties left over from Halloween can still go to good use. Donate candy to Parker Street Ministries for its Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 8, which benefits families in the Parker Street and North Lake Wire neighborhoods. Drop off donations by Thursday, Nov. 6 at 12 p.m.
Job
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Health
At Lakeland Regional Health Physician Group, women find exceptional care for every stage of life. Learn more about comprehensive OB-GYN and maternity care, advanced care for mothers and babies, and community education classes for families.*
Shop
This lightweight leafblower is the perfect fall tool for removing leaves from your yard, with cruise control and a quiet yet powerful motor for under $80.*
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Trending
October’s top clicks
Readers were ready to shop at new stores like Nordstrom Rack, clicking on our new and coming soon guide more than any others. | Photo by LALtoday
Did you know we keep tabs on what you engage with the most to make sure our newsletter is always packed with what you want to see? Look back at what you loved most over this past month.
Top Article
Drivers breathed a sigh of relief when we shared that new congestion relief lanes are coming to I-4 between Lakeland and Tampa.
Top News Note
If you have $7 million, you can buy Lakeland’s highest-valued home. See which houses rounded out the top 12, according to Gulf Shore Business.
Top Mansion Monday
Speaking of high-value homes, you were itching for a peek at the Grand Dame of Lone Palm. It goes up for auction next week.
Top Asked
How did Lake Wales get its name? Try to remember the answer from a previous newsletter.
The Buy
Your ticket to upgrading your skill set with Babbel’s fall sale. Speaking a new language opens doors — whether you’re eyeing a career change, a promotion, or just looking to enhance your life. Get 60% off Babbel’s 10-minute daily lessons and enjoy expert-designed language courses and a new AI-powered tool.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Lakeland founder Abraham Munn. Hey, maybe you’ll see him in Munn Park on a lively First Friday? Many guessed Frank Lloyd Wright, but his apparition has been spotted in Annie Pfeiffer Chapel at Florida Southern College.
Don’t forget that today is Election Day for the City of Lakeland, with commission seats + charter amendments on the ballot. Here’s what to know before casting your vote.
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