Naples restaurant owner feeds those in need with ‘50,000 Meals Fund’

A Southwest Florida restaurant owner is going the extra mile to help those in need of a meal right now.

Rebecca Maddox, owner of Three60 Market in Naples, just started the “50,000 Meals Fund” two weeks ago.

“I like big goals that have magic, that bring people together,” she said.

Her goal is big: Raising $500,000 to create 50,000 meals and 50 jobs.

“Being able to feed people who are incredibly hungry – just not poor – they’re hungry, and put people back to work is my goal.”

With five employees and three part-timers, Maddox has help.

“We’ve already got contributions, we’ve already started delivering meals – thousands of meals into the community,” she said.

One of those helpers is Patrick Johnson.

“We’ve all been over there 230 a.m. to 6 a.m., cooking and then getting home for a couple hours of sleep and then coming back and doing it all over again for a few hours after that,” Johnson said.

They’re not cooking food out of a can – it’s all fresh.

“We’re actually providing the meals that Three60 market cooks on a daily basis for customers,” Johnson aid.

All their hard work is worth it when they get to see the smiles and gratitude from those they’re serving.

“It’s been life-changing,” Johnson said.

“Since I’ve seen the faces, since I’ve seen their eyes, since I’ve seen them grab the food, I’m even more inspired,” Maddox said.

She said she’s using social media to get the word out – to volunteers and those in need – and it has really made a difference in her efforts.

If you’d like to donate to the “50,000 Meals Fund,” click here for more information.