As America celebrates Black History Month for the 50th year this February, Black women, men and children are making history in the fight against hunger in Central Florida.
They are in careers that enable them to improve food security for neighbors in seven counties. They are in our schools, making sure our youngest community members have food to bring home to share with their families. They are on the front lines putting food into their neighbors' hands. And they are showing up at the food bank ready to jump in and help where they can, bringing their children along to pass the spirit of volunteerism on to the next generation.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is proud to celebrate Black History Month by sharing some of these stories with you.
A Responsibility to Do What’s Right
Nia works on the food bank’s Agency Relations team, where she often speaks up for feeding partners to ensure they receive the support they need.
“I make sure that each person, including our team members, is treated fairly no matter what their differences are,” Nia said. “In the words of the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’”
As a Partner Agency Support Specialist, Nia helps organize food pickups and shopping appointments for feeding partners at Second Harvest’s main distribution center in Orlando.
“My role at Second Harvest is to ensure that our feeding partners receive the necessary food to sustain our neighbors, allowing them to lead healthy lives without the worry of where their next meal will originate,” Nia said.
She says her job lets her fully support partners and make a real difference.
“I can help people with a cheerful heart and provide an impact on making sure families get the food that they deserve,” she exclaimed. “I love that for me!”
Fighting hunger matters to her because she believes everyone deserves access to food, water, and a healthy life.
“I celebrate Black History Month through my role by honoring what so many of our civil rights leaders fought for regarding being a voice for the voiceless,” Nia said, explaining how her role in supporting her partners often involves this.
She says her job is deeply rewarding, especially when she hears stories from neighbors facing hunger and their gratitude for the food bank and its partners.
“It does my heart well to know that I have provided relief, ensuring that some of our neighbors and their families will have food to eat,” Nia said. “This aligns with my daily commitment to being kind, cheerful and understanding.”
Experiencing Unity Through Volunteerism
Courtney began volunteering at the food bank 15 years ago when she was a student at the University of Central Florida.
Her first experience volunteering with her campus group sparked a lifelong passion for helping neighbors who face hunger.
“It felt very good to learn about the food bank’s generosity to our community,” she said.
Courtney still lives in Orlando and is raising her family here. She brings her 12-year-old son, Cordell, to volunteer with her.
“The fight against hunger is very important to Cordell and me because of the quality of life we believe every child, parent, veteran and civilian deserves,” Courtney explained.
For Courtney, sorting donations is the most rewarding part of volunteering.
“The integrity in sorting food for quality and healthy nourishment on behalf of the community is enjoyable,” she explained. “I am proud to share this experience with my son!”
She’s proud to contribute to providing meals for children, families, and seniors, and knows that every volunteer effort makes an impact.
“With more hands on deck, there will be additional resources more readily available to those in need,” Courtney explained.
Courtney observes Black History Month by helping both herself and Cordell become more aware of the unity in their community.
“The positive social impact Cordell experiences when we volunteer shows how doing good can lead the way,” she said.
Courtney encourages others to volunteer at Second Harvest to experience the same joy and satisfaction she does.
“The advice we give others who want to get involved with hunger relief is you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by showing up!”
Building Family With Meals and Hope
Lynn has spent her life feeding people and building community around food.
She ran a food pantry for decades in Pittsburgh before she moved to Florida.
“I like to see people eat,” she said.
When she and her husband James founded ARK Ministries in Clermont, they quickly recognized food insecurity impacting neighbors in the community.
“I started to see so many people homeless in the woods or at risk of losing housing,” Lynn recalled. “I remember hearing about people having to choose between keeping housing or keeping a car so they could work. I recognized the need in the area and started my own, hoping to help people feel more secure.”
ARK Ministries quickly became a Second Harvest feeding partner.
“When people first come, some are overwhelmed or embarrassed,” James shared. “And you watch them transform, because you make it easier for them. The stress on a person who has to stand in line for food can be a lot, so you work to make it welcoming and more pleasant. Now we watch how people engage with us and each other.”
Lynn said when she was growing up, she learned how a community is built around food.
“If you didn’t have it, and your neighbor had it, they were going to come over and give you some and made sure you were okay,” she recalled. “It was sharing with others when needed, and that’s how I have always seen it. It becomes a neighborhood. All the people at the pantry need the same thing, and they’re helping each other, talking, carrying things if they’re too heavy and building relationships.”
Packing Bags of Food and Love
As the school nurse for an early-childhood education center, Erika has a heart for children and their health.
Even in the 3-5 age group, she witnessed food insecurity with students and their families at Washington Shores Primary Learning Center. She now operates the School Market on campus in partnership with Second Harvest’s School Partnerships Program.
“It’s important because the need is so great, and many parents don’t come forth and ask for help,” Erika said. “Daily I watch students at breakfast, lunch and snack time, and I just feel like it’s needed.”
Through the School Market, Erika provides breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the weekend, or however many days the students are out. No one has to ask because all 115 students go home with the food.
“I’m a one-woman show,” she explained. “I pack the bags and pass them out. It’s important to me no one is hungry because this need is met, here or at home.”
Erika said her everyday actions are her way to celebrate Black History Month during and outside the month of February.
“I’m actively honoring (her role models) by learning so much through education and everyday reflection” she said. “I donate, volunteer, educate, support, and basically live by example.”
With a background in healthcare, Erika understands that food and nutrition are essential to student growth and success.
“They can’t function when they’re hungry and worrying about their next meal,” she said. “I pack every bag with love.”
