Fort Myers, FL, June 15, 2021 – Midwest Food Bank of Florida – a volunteer-driven, faith-based organization dedicated to alleviating hunger, and providing disaster relief, partners with local Fort Myers SJC Boxing gym and their Youth Mentor Program.
This recently launched SJC Boxing Mentor Program is open to middle and high school students, Monday thru Friday, 12:30 pm to 3 pm, or 6 pm to 8 pm. Youths can come to the local Fort Myers gym and receive boxing training, a free meal provided by Midwest Food Bank Florida, as well as mentoring from various professional athletes and community business leaders. All at no charge.
Home to the oldest three rope, certified boxing ring in the U.S, SJC Boxing is a fully equipped boxing gym, ran by owner, trainer and Florida 2009 Boxing Hall of Fame recipient, Steven Canton, and his wife Beth. Starting a pilot program with Coronado High School, the word is quickly spreading and expansion efforts are already underway. Student can now also earn school GPA credits through participation of the mentor program, and many professional athletes are looking to offer their expertise.
“As one of the 172 nonprofit partner agencies (churches, veteran supports, shelters, schools, and soup kitchens), that Midwest Food Bank Florida donates food to each month, this partnership with SJC Boxing allows us to expand our community impact even further. We understand the importance of education, exercise, mentorship and nutrition, and all these components working together to give our youth a chance to thrive,” says Karl Steidinger, Executive Director.
“Getting the kids off the streets and focused on their future is why we set this program up. We want to offer them a safe place to go during lunch or after school, where they can train, receive mentorship from people who care, as well as enjoy some nutritious food that might not be an option at home,” says Steven Canton, Owner, Trainer and Former Boxing Champion.
Midwest Food Bank has 12 locations, including ten in the U.S., and one each in East Africa and Haiti. For more information about MFB Florida, please visit our website at midwestfoodbank.org/florida.
SJC Boxing Inc., located at 4220 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, Florida, 33901. Open Monday-Friday, 6pm – 8pm. To learn more visit their website: http://www.sjcboxing.com/ and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SJC-Boxing-144809292240075
Midwest Food Bank (“MFB”) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief; all without discrimination. Our vision is to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually.
