Thank you for being part of a community that cares enough to ensure kids and families have access to the food resources needed to have a worry-free, hunger-free summer. Your collective efforts made it possible to fight hunger in remarkable ways this summer.
61 Summer Sites
Second Harvest’s Summer Food Service Program hit the road on June 2 to deliver fresh, nutritious meals to kids. The program served children at 61 summer camps, childcare centers, parks and other programs across five Central Florida counties. During the 10-week summer break, 155,247 meals were provided for free to kids ages 18 and under.
New this summer was the rural non-congregate pilot summer feeding program. The traditional model requires meals to be eaten onsite at pre-determined times. The pilot program allowed for meal boxes with seven breakfasts and seven lunches per kid to be picked up weekly during a specific window of time for kids to eat at home.
Feeding partners in Mascotte and Stuckey played a crucial role in fighting childhood hunger this summer, distributing 42,574 meals and serving approximately 500 children each week. Their dedication and support were instrumental to kids and families in rural Lake County.
Over 300,000 Meals a Day
Second Harvest and its 870 feeding partners were out in force this summer to distribute enough food for 300,000 meals daily to kids and families at emergency food pantries, community meal programs and shelters. In addition, 228 mobile food distributions provided fresh produce, meats, dairy and pantry staples to neighbors in food deserts and rural communities across Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties.
Behind the scenes, dedicated food bank volunteers were the unsung heroes of the summer. Your hard work was invaluable, from hosting food drives, to sorting food donations, and preparing meals at Mercy Kitchen. More than 8,500 of you donated over 25,000 hours this summer. Thank you for your selfless contributions!
17 Culinary Training Students Graduated
While most students were out of school, Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program didn’t miss a beat. Students spent the summer honing their professional and life skills. In June, 17 students graduated and launched their new careers in the food service industry. By investing in workforce education and training, you are transforming lives.
Your kindness and generosity made it possible for kids to have the worry-free summer they deserve. Thanks to your support, , local students and families across Central Florida are entering the new school year filled with hope. Your actions have truly made a difference.
