Hunger Action Month brings awareness to the many ways individuals in Central Florida can take small actions that make a significant difference in the fight against hunger.
The community that supports Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is full of people who find ways to fight hunger and feed hope throughout the year.
These are the stories of just a few of the people taking action to support the 1 in 7 Central Florida neighbors facing hunger.
Jaedyn is Taking Initiative and Action
As someone who grew up in a home that faced instability when it came to basic necessities, especially food, supporting Second Harvest Food Bank just felt like the right thing to do for Jaedyn.
Jaedyn Allen is a local realtor with Keller Williams Advantage II Realty, and she launched her own initiative called Referral With Impact. She plans to donate $500 from each of her home sales commissions to the food bank, at no additional cost to her clients.
“As of now, there is no anticipated end date,” Jaedyn said. “I launched Referral With Impact at the end of June, and while it’s still fairly new, the feedback has been nothing but positive. My goal is to grow it into something long term that can continue helping as many people as possible in our community.”
The choice to support children, families and seniors in Central Florida is a personal one. Jaedyn said she knows firsthand how life can take unexpected turns and how important it is to have help, like food resources, available during difficult times.
“I became a single mom at 18 years old,” she recalled. “I relied heavily on food stamps (now known as SNAP benefits) to support both my son and myself. There was no way I would’ve been able to feed us without that assistance. That experience gave me a lot of empathy for others who find themselves unable to provide for themselves or their families regardless of the reason.”
Now, as food insecurity affects more than half a million people across Central Florida, Jaedyn wants to support Second Harvest because of its mission to connect neighbors with the food resources they need to thrive.
“I really wanted to support a non-profit that I had a connection to on a personal level but also has a strong and viable mission,” she said. “Aside from already being familiar with Second Harvest, it was the fact that it advocates for and supports individuals in such a genuine way that is truly invaluable. I know that by donating to Second Harvest, I am without a doubt making a difference in our community.”
Jaedyn plans to give her first Referral With Impact gift to the food bank in October and is proud of her initiative.
“It is so much more than donations,” she explained. “It has given me the opportunity to help people buy and sell homes which is a huge decision and milestone and, in turn, support those facing hardships that often go far beyond hunger. My hope is that those who share a similar vision will do everything they can to spread the word.”
Jordan is Running to Take Action
For Jordan Littman, the choice to participate in the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend on team Second Harvest was all about hope.
Hope for his future, his health and his community.
Expecting his first child with his wife Lacey this fall, his personal health and future loomed large. But so did his impact on neighbors facing hunger.
“I've been able to watch several runDisney races in person and honestly been brought to tears watching how inspirational it is as people cross the finish line,” Jordan said. “Why can't that be me, now? I want to be a part of that community and to feel that sense of accomplishment. Those, of course, are selfish reasons, but I really also want to run this race to show others that you individually can play a role in making a difference for others.”
This is what inspired the choice to be a part of Team Second Harvest as opposed to running as an individual participant.
“My hope is that by sharing my journey, it could inspire others — whether it's becoming a little more active themselves or if they're able to, send support to those that need it more than you,” Jordan said. “Second Harvest means a lot to me, and the work it does in the Central Florida community is so important. It's really fitting the support goes to helping provide meals to those who need it most.”
Jordan’s runDisney fundraising page, has raised more than $750 as of early September.
“I've not only shared that on my social media accounts, but I've also been equally open about my weight loss journey,” he said. “I'm down more than 60 pounds so far, which I'm extremely excited about, but even more meaningful to me has been the multiple people that have come to me privately and said that because of me, they've either started their own weight loss journey, have become more active or chosen to donate to their charity of choice. And that means more to me than any personal accomplishments.”
The level of importance of fighting hunger is something Jordan finds difficult to put into words.
“In today's world, I think it's really easy to feel helpless at the change and turmoil that happens around you,” he explained. “And, I'll be honest, finding ways to help make a difference can feel daunting and incredibly difficult. When I think about the people in Central Florida that face hunger, they are the ones that need help the most. They didn't ask to face food instability. They just want to be able to not worry about where their next meal is coming from.”
Jordan feels empowered to be part of Team Second Harvest, knowing that every dollar he raises can provide four meals for a neighbor facing hunger.
“We all can make a difference,” Jordan says. “We all have the individual power to help make this a better place for everyone.”
Abbey is Taking Action with Her Time
Abbey found Second Harvest while looking for opportunities to get involved with her community.
The UCF student has been a regular volunteer with the food bank for about a year now and has given more than 100 hours.
“It's one of the most well-run (volunteer) opportunities,” Abbey said. “It was very easy to get involved and stay involved.”
Some of her standout experiences include volunteering to help collect excess food following local food shows and participating in in the WESH 2 News Share Your Christmas food drive. She has also volunteered at food distributions and helped fill packing, sorting and meal-prep shifts.
“Volunteering in this capacity not only helps the community but also helps provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction,” Abbey said. “Nothing is more rewarding than completely sorting through a truck of dry food donations. It's wonderful to see all of the food that is going out into the community.”
Fighting hunger is important to Abbey, and she thinks it should be important to everyone.
“There are many people in our community that don't have access to food, nonetheless fresh food,” she said. “As costs are rising it becomes harder to sustainably feed everyone while maintaining access.”
Taking small steps to help fight hunger is something everyone can do, Abbey said. Whether it is donating non-perishable food items, minimizing food waste at home, starting a food and fund drive, or volunteering at the food bank or one of its 870 feeding partners throughout seven Central Florida counties.
“I love volunteering with Second Harvest as it's a way that I can physically help my community while seeing some of the effects of my work,” Abbey said. “I will never forget a (food distribution) we were doing at which this van was full of children. Many of the regular volunteers recognized them, and the children's laughter could be heard throughout the parking lot. Helping those nearby helps connect the community and provides a sense of fulfillment.”
