FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – A Fernandina Beach woman’s mission to feed her community through a free front yard food pantry faces an uncertain future after a neighbor’s complaint prompted code enforcement intervention.
Becky DeWitt lives off of 14th street in Fernandina Beach. She started the pantry during the last government shutdown to help residents in need and now finds herself fighting to keep the operation running after receiving a visit from local code enforcement officials.
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“We’re not hurting anybody, so why shut it down?” DeWitt said, her voice breaking with emotion. “When I see the people out here, knowing that we may be providing the only meal that they have today – and I’ve been told that.”
The pantry, which operates around the clock, began as a response to suspended SNAP benefits during a government shutdown. “When the SNAP benefits and the government shut down, we just saw a need,” DeWitt explained. “People are here every day donating, they’re here every day shopping.”
According to DeWitt, a neighbor complained to code enforcement about loitering and traffic concerns. “I’m on the main thoroughfare here and there’s always traffic,” she noted.
City officials, while acknowledging DeWitt’s charitable efforts, say the pantry violates local regulations. In an email response to inquiries, the city told News4JAX they “appreciate the generous spirit of residents who want to help their neighbors.” However, they cited that under section 1.07.00 of the land development code, “this type of structure or use” is not permitted in that location.
DeWitt argues that her pantry fills a crucial gap in community services. While other organizations and churches in the area operate food pantries, she points out that “they’re only open during certain times. So, this is to fill that gap.”
Despite the challenges, DeWitt remains determined to find a solution. “I’m doing everything I can to work with the city and do what they need me to do to keep this going for our community,” she said.
A meeting between DeWitt and city officials is scheduled to discuss the pantry’s future. DeWitt maintains she will continue advocating to keep the pantry open.
She posted her situation on Facebook and people have donated to her cause so she can continue helping the community.
News4JAX went to a house to speak with the neighbor who made the complaint about her, but they didn’t answer.