Meet Rebecca Lourido | Nonprofit Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Lourido and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2021, food insecurity increased throughout the country. People were losing their jobs, the housing market went crazy, and inflation took over. I saw a huge need in Palm Beach County.

Little Free Libraries were all over, and I started seeing Little Free Pantries on social media with the same concept, just with nonperishable food items and hygiene products instead of books. I thought that was a great idea, so I decided to start a GoFundMe and Amazon wishlist to bring the first Little Free Pantry to Jupiter. It was a big hit, I raised more money to add more pantries around Palm Beach County, which now brings the count to four.

I thought starting a nonprofit would help build that program with grants and more support while also starting new programs. This year, I officially started Fighting Hunger One Bite at a Time PBC.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our purpose at Fighting Hunger One Bite at a Time PBC is to help alleviate food insecurity from West Palm Beach-Tequesta through our Little Free Food Pantries, food bags for children in Title I schools, Veteran food programs, and holiday food distributions.

I started the first Little Free Pantry in Jupiter and also West Palm Beach. These differentiate from a normal food pantry in which they are micro pantries made by an up-cycled newspaper stand and can be accessed at anytime. No judgment, no lines. Someone added another pantry in West Palm Beach, so I am happy to inspire others. I have met many homeless individuals during pantry refills and I have heard many words of gratitude.

Starting this venture has been a bit challenging. From raising and maintaining money and food items for our programs to the legal paperwork to obtain 501c3 status, I have learned the meaning of perseverance and did not give up. We now have four pantries up – 1 in Jupiter, 2 in West Palm, and 1 in Belle Glade. We are in the middle of planning our Thanksgiving distribution. We have our first Title I school partner to provide underserved children with weekend food bags. This Veterans Day, we are launching our food program for Veterans, which will include delivering groceries to low income and wounded Veterans. I cannot wait to see the impact Fighting Hunger One Bite at a Time PBC will make.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a Florida native, I appreciate the natural habitats we have here. Visiting our beautiful beaches here in Jupiter is a must do. Kayaking is also a must. Go during high tide, and you will encounter crystal blue water where you can see manatees, sea turtles, starfish, fish, and so much more. Bring your snorkel gear and GoPro because you will want to dive in with the bountiful marine life.

Some must see bars and restaurants on the water are Square Grouper, Utiki, Blue Pointe, Tiki52, Dive Bar and Guanabanas. Blue Pointe and Guanabanas both offer kayak rentals to explore the area. Food Shack, MOOD, and Plant Based Mafia are all great restaurants as well. Riverbend Park is fun to explore either by walking, biking, or kayaking. You might encounter deer, turkeys, and alligators. Check out Game of Axes after enjoying Mother Nature. Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Busch Wildlife are rescues that are both educational and fun to check out.

A little south of Jupiter, Peanut Island is another natural beauty. Pack a picnic and snorkel for the kayak trip and explore the island. JFK’s bunker is there too. Stop by Rafiki Tiki for some drinks after. Snorkeling Phil Foster Park during high tide is a must. You will see octopus, seahorses, sting rays, sunken ships, statues, fish, and more. Worth Ave on Palm Beach Island is a must see. The Flagler museum is also there where you will learn about Henry Flagler and the railroad, make sure to stay for high tea. Have a drink at the Colony hotel and then check out the Society of the Four Arts. The Norton Museum is a beautiful art museum in West Palm. Cox Science Center is fun for the family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am very fortunate for my family and for the love and support I’ve always received. I want to give back to those who might not have been as fortunate as I have been.

I started volunteering here and there at beach cleanups, for the Salvation Army during the holidays, and stockings for deployed soldiers around the holidays.

I joined the Junior League of the Palm Beaches in 2018 and that really ignited a passion for serving the community in me. Our focus area went from human trafficking, foster care, to literacy and education. I have been co-chairing committees on the community council, working directly with our community partners. I have been very passionate about our mission and am very involved. I have volunteered with, held collection drives for, and fundraised for some of our partners outside of the League as well, along with for many other local nonprofits.

I’m passionate about many different causes and I do all I can to make a difference.

My family has always been there to support me through my journey and projects.

Junior League has helped me not only discover my purpose, but taught me skills to successfully serve my community.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FightingHungerOneBiteataTimePBC/