Shutdown Continues to Put Meals at Risk

As the federal government shutdown surpasses 40 days, anxiety and uncertainty persist for millions of families, including military service members, federal employees, and contractors who are missing paychecks. Additionally, SNAP recipients are seeking help keeping food on their tables while benefits are paused.
Across Central Florida, the need for food assistance is already sky-high. Families, seniors, and veterans are at a tipping point. Many describe making impossible choices and using food to balance their monthly budgets. 

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, our message is simple: we’re here to help.

Feeding Hope to Federal Workers

The government shutdown began on October 1, and it did not take long for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to notice a spike in the requests for food assistance. It started with phone calls and private Facebook messages from families affected by the shutdown. Parents and grandparents were asking how and where to receive help putting food on the table.

Food is Learning: How an Emphasis on Child Nutrition is Fueling a Brighter Future

With one in six Central Florida kids living in a food-insecure household, nutrition is of utmost importance.

Lee Found Hope and Stability at a Local Food Pantry

Lee never expected her world would turn upside down in the blink of an eye.

“Our car unexpectedly died while we were driving it,” she explains, remembering the stress of being inside a stalled car in the middle of a busy highway.

“After losing my vehicle, my job told me that unless I came within a few days, I would just be let go,” Lee remembers.