Better Life Church in Clermont is still planning its next monthly food drive for Sept. 28 after a trailer carrying tables, trays, tents and other distribution supplies was stolen on Sept. 7, according to WESH. The church says the equipment is central to distributing tens of thousands of pounds of food to local families each month.
Clermont police released images of two people seen in the church parking lot roughly 20 minutes before the trailer disappeared, WESH-TV reported. Senior pastor and bishop Juan Rivera believes the individuals later returned with a truck and trailer hitch, though police have not confirmed that account. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the department.
A Ministry Built Over 15 Years Takes a Hit
Better Life Church has operated its community food drive for 15 years and distributes about 25,000 to 30,000 pounds of food to families each month, according to WESH. The church works with Second Harvest from Orlando to stock the distributions. Rivera said the theft affects residents who depend on the drive as well as the congregation.
The church says it will proceed with the Sept. 28 food drive despite the missing trailer and supplies, per WESH. According to Better Life Church, the pantry serves families in need beginning at 10 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month and remains open until the food runs out.
Food insecurity remains a local concern
According to the Central Florida Collaborative’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, nearly 18.0% of children in Lake County experienced food insecurity as of 2022. The assessment says the county’s rate had remained unchanged since 2019, underscoring the continuing need for local food assistance.
Pastor Says He Forgives Whoever Took the Trailer
Rivera has said he forgives whoever took the trailer and hopes the equipment will be returned. The church is also working to replace the tables, trays and tents ahead of the planned distribution.
Clermont police are asking anyone with information about the theft or the people shown in the images to contact the department. No arrests or identifications connected to the images had been confirmed as of this writing.
