How We Help
We believe everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy and productive life. At Barnabas Center, we serve as a hope delivery system. We offer nutrition services, empowerment programs and health care that provide practical support. We also pair those services with the encouragement and caring people need to overcome challenges and achieve stability.
We combat hunger throughout Nassau County, helping food-insecure individuals and families fill the gaps through our food pantry and food distribution events. Read More
We offer compassionate, comprehensive medical and dental care at little or no cost, as well as health education, to ensure our community stays strong. Read More
Barnabas Center helps members of our community that have encountered bumps in the road regain their footing by providing temporary financial assistance, transportation support and financial education. Read More
Get Help
If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to Barnabas Center today– because everyone deserves a helping hand during tough times.
SUPPORT NASSAU COUNTY STUDENTS
Almost 95,000 students across Florida are experiencing homelessness, according to the Florida Department of Education. In Nassau County alone, more than 400 children lack a stable place to call home.
To help these students start the school year with the supplies they need, Barnabas Center is once again partnering with the McKinney-Vento Program (formerly known as the Families in Transition program) of Nassau County Schools. You can make a difference by supporting the Barnabas Center School Supply Drive. There are three simple ways to help:
Shop our Amazon Wishlist. Purchase school supplies online and have them shipped directly to Barnabas Center.
Donate online. Make a monetary contribution through our secure donation page.
Drop off supplies. New school supplies can be delivered to our office at 1303 Jasmine St., Ste. 101, Fernandina Beach. We are taking donations Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you have questions about the School Supply Drive, please contact Jane Dietrich at jdietrich@barnabasnassau.org or 904-261-7000, ext. 108.
Our Impact
Barnabas Center helps thousands of people overcome life’s challenges by providing critical health care, food relief, crisis support and more. Here’s what we achieved in fiscal year 2023-2024:
SAVE THE DATE: THE 13TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS EVENT
Barnabas Center’s 13th annual Empty Bowls luncheon returns to combat hunger and crisis in Nassau County. Please save the date and consider sponsoring our event to help our neighbors in need.
November 24, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., Amelia Island, FL
Noon to 1 p.m.
Tickets go on sale October 1, 2026
Upcoming Events
Career Guidance – Brought to You!
Join Barnabas Center and Career Source Northeast Florida for a free workshop offering resume assistance, online job searches, interview coaching, referrals to other agencies and more!
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 1303 Jasmine Street, Suite 104, Fernandina Beach, FL
Please reach out with any questions by calling 904.261.7000.
We proudly sponsor five mobile food distributions every month across Nassau County to ensure that those in need can access nutritious, free food no matter where they live. These events are open to everyone, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, so individuals and families can drive up or walk to receive assistance without any barriers.
We proudly sponsor five mobile food distributions every month across Nassau County to ensure that those in need can access nutritious, free food no matter where they live. These events are open to everyone, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, so individuals and families can drive up or walk to receive assistance without any barriers.
We proudly sponsor five mobile food distributions every month across Nassau County to ensure that those in need can access nutritious, free food no matter where they live. These events are open to everyone, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, so individuals and families can drive up or walk to receive assistance without any barriers.
Buy Your Ticket!
Starting October 1, 2026, tickets go on sale for our Empty Bowls luncheon taking place on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island.
In honor of our theme, “How We Serve”, this year we are excited to host speaker and author, Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska to share about his experience serving our nation. Commander of the largest submarine squadron in the U.S. fleet, Robert Roncska was affectionately given the nickname “Navy Bob” when he carried the “nuclear football” for President George W. Bush. This Empty Bowls luncheon will be one to remember!
Tickets for this event are $40. Visit the Empty Bowls page to buy your ticket before they sell out!
Support Our Mission to End Hunger
The annual Empty Bowls luncheon event is a cherished tradition hosted by Barnabas Center, uniting the community to raise awareness and support for those facing food insecurity in Nassau County. Symbolizing the reality of hunger, guests share a simple meal of soup, bread and dessert, reflecting the modest meals that struggling individuals and families often face. Additionally, each attendee will take home a beautiful hand-painted ceramic bowl, created by local artists and volunteers. Each unique bowl is a reminder of the many in our community who go without and the shared mission to fill those empty bowls. Your participation and generosity bring hope and nourishment to our neighbors in need. Read more here.
Career Guidance – Brought to You!
Join Barnabas Center and Career Source Northeast Florida for a free workshop offering resume assistance, online job searches, interview coaching, referrals to other agencies and more!
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 1303 Jasmine Street, Suite 104, Fernandina Beach, FL
Please reach out with any questions by calling 904.261.7000.
Donate at THREE Locations!
The Rotary Clubs of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, and Greater Nassau are again partnering to host a community-wide canned food drive supporting Barnabas Center’s Nutrition Service programs. The events will take place throughout September at multiple supermarket locations across Nassau County.
The food drive helps restock Barnabas Center’s pantry shelves, ensuring local families in need have access to nutritious food. Donations of non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains are encouraged. With the ongoing economic challenges, the need for assistance remains high, and the community’s support will make a difference for many in Nassau County who are experiencing food insecurity.
Publix – Fernandina Beach
1421 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach, FL
Publix – Wildlight
76080 William Burgess Road, Yulee, FL
Winn Dixie – Yulee
96076 Lofton Square Ct., Yulee, FL
Free Vision Screening at Barnabas Center
Take care of your eyes and join us for a free community vision screening at Barnabas Center.
👓 Free vision screenings will be offered, along with eyeglasses provided through referral if needed. This event is open to the public—no appointment necessary.
📅 Thursday, October 8
🕗 9:00 – 11:00 AM
📍 Barnabas Center, 1303 Jasmine St., Suite 101, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
This event is provided in partnership with Vision Is Priceless.
We proudly sponsor five mobile food distributions every month across Nassau County to ensure that those in need can access nutritious, free food no matter where they live. These events are open to everyone, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, so individuals and families can drive up or walk to receive assistance without any barriers.
Ways to Help
Your generosity is the key to supporting neighbors in need across Nassau County. Please consider making a financial contribution or providing food to stock our pantry.
Volunteering with Barnabas Center is a wonderful way to make a positive impact in your community. Whether you volunteer with our food program, at our New to You Resale Store or at our medical offices, get involved today!
Help Your Neighbors
Donate to Barnabas Center to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.
Stay in the loop
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to stay updated on the latest news and upcoming events at Barnabas Center.
NEW TO YOU RESALE STORE
Get Help
Everyone needs help sometimes. Whether you’re facing a dental emergency, struggling to put food on the table this month or need assistance with obtaining a new driver’s license, we are here with open hearts and helping hands.
We’re fighting community hunger with nutrition services that include access to our food pantry, meal packs for children and mobile food distributions. Our empowerment programs offer everything from financial assistance for those in crisis, to transportation support, to budgeting and financial education. And because everyone deserves access to quality health care, you can turn to our health services programs for free or low-cost medical or dental care.
Barnabas Center in Action
Discover the inspiring work happening in our community by exploring our blogs. You’ll find stories of hope, resilience and the positive impact we’re making together.
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