Economic Justice
Our Economic Justice program focuses on the food and housing needs of the Gainesville community.
Action Committees
Food4Kids Backpack Program
Food4Kids Backpack Program of North Florida fills backpacks with nonperishable food and distributes them to students in need, from kindergarten through high school. The kids bring these backpacks home on Friday and return them on Monday so they can be refilled for the following weekend. UUFG has been involved with Food4Kids for many years and previously filled and delivered backpacks directly to an Alachua County school. Now, our volunteers, age 4 and up, meet at the Food4Kids warehouse to fill bags with food. It’s a great experience and there’s something for everyone to do.
We also collect food donations for Food4Kids every Sunday in Phillips Hall after service.
Upcoming UUFG Volunteer days at Food4Kids:
Saturday, September 20, 2025 10:00-12:00
Saturday, November 8, 2025 10:00-12:00
For more information contact Judi Oltmans at socialjusticechair@uufg.org
Grace Marketplace
The mission at Grace Marketplace is simple: to end homelessness. They achieve that goal by removing the typical barriers that keep people from getting help and providing them with safe shelter, effective services, and permanent housing solutions. Their services cover the basic necessities of life, including housing, healthcare, and employment. UUFG volunteers on Saturday mornings throughout the year at Grace Marketplace. We help out in the Donation Center, organizing and sorting donations, and then hanging up the clothing in the Grace Free Boutique. Our goal is to make a difference for the people who count on Grace Marketplace for services and support.
Upcoming UUFG Volunteer days at Grace Marketplace:
Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00-12:00
Saturday, December 13, 2025 10:00-12:00
For more information contact Judi Oltmans at socialjusticechair@uufg.org
Family Promise
Family Promise of Gainesville collaborates with a community-wide network of local congregations. UUFG helps Family Promise member congregations provide support to homeless families for a week at a time four times a year, so that those families can be helped to get jobs, transportation, and a place to live. Family Promise staff offers counseling and help with financial aid, child care, and finding employment.
For more information contact Pat Caren at socialjusticechair@uufg.org
Parker’s Food Pantry
Food insecurity remains, even in our own neighborhood. UUFG has a free outdoor food pantry located near our entrance on 34th Avenue. As you drive into our parking area you’ll pass by it. To support our free food pantry, please place your non-perishable food donations (cans, snacks, dried pasta, sauces, cereal, peanut butter, etc.) directly in the outside pantry any time — or put your food contributions on Sunday in the push cart in the Phillips Hall (near the back door). Thank you for your support and help keeping it full!
Liaisons with Community
Alachua County Labor Coalition — Mary Bahr at socialjusticechair@uufg.org.