It has been said that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Every day, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida works with 625 feeding partners – small groups of selfless and kind individuals who are committed to helping kids, families and seniors in their neighborhoods access the nutritious food they need.
One of those people is Valter, also known as the “Pastor of the Box.”
Valter is the pastor of United Heart Church of Nations in Orlando where he, along with a group of dedicated volunteers, distributes boxes of nutritious food for families facing hunger each week. They have been doing this weekly for the past 13 years without missing a single week – even during the pandemic. Each week, about 250 families receive nutritious meals and hope.
Distribution day follows a routine for Valter. He rents a U-Haul and drives to Second Harvest’s main distribution center in Orlando to pick up fresh, nutritious food. With the help of the warehouse staff, the truck is loaded and Valter heads back to the church.
Later that same day, volunteers arrive to pack food boxes with pantry staples like canned vegetables and fresh produce like apples, tomatoes and bags of lettuce. Neighbors begin to line up behind the church for the food distribution. They are greeted with smiles and genuine care. Valter asks each one, “Are you doing OK?” Whether he is speaking English, Portuguese, Spanish or Russian, his message is the same.
Neighbors thank Valter with a nod, smile or even sometimes a hug. Each one leaves with arms full as of fresh food and hearts full of hope.
Valter and feeding partners like United Heart Church of Nations are examples kindness in action. Second Harvest feeding partners are able to fight hunger, feed hope and help our neighbors thrive thanks to you.
