The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a poverty awareness and fundraising campaign that underscores the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin's commitment to building public awareness around hunger and poverty in North Pinellas County, especially related to children and their families. 

To coincide with Poverty Awareness Month, participating League members will wear the same black dress for five days to illustrate the effects poverty can have on a woman’s access to resources, confidence, and opportunities.

During these five days, members will share local statistics about poverty and food insecurity on social media and will ask for donations towards our efforts to fight poverty in North Pinellas County.

10,000 children in North Pinellas County live in poverty

38% of children living in poverty in North Pinellas County are under 6 years old.

Children living in poverty are often without access to books and  fall behind their peers:

• By 3rd grade, children living in poverty are a year or more below grade level

• By 6th grade, children living in poverty are 2 or more years below grade level

• By 12th grade, children living in poverty are 4 or more years behind academically

A few of the ways the JLCD is using LBDI donor gifts to combat poverty-related issues in our community include:

• In the past year, providing more than 60 weekly meals to school-age children through the “Pack-a-Snack” program so they receive healthy weekend meals.

• Partnering with local community providers such as Cops n Kids, in Tarpon Springs, which offer no-cost after-school childcare for school-age children.

• Providing books and sponsoring literacy events for students at Tarpon Springs Elementary and Sandy Lane Elementary.