Transforming Lives: Dezmond’s Story

Dezmond could not resist the allure of culinary arts.

“Cooking allows me to be creative, and I love whipping up dishes for others,” says Dezmond.

His passion for cooking soared during the pandemic when he spent days devising ramen dishes at home. After high school, Dezmond learned about Second Harvest’s 16-week Culinary Training Program and enrolled to shape his love for cooking into a sustainable career.

Fight Summer Hunger from Your Computer with a Virtual Food Drive

With schools closing for summer break, breakfast and lunch are no longer on the table for thousands of children in Central Florida. One way to help bridge the gap and provide nutritious meals for kids and families this summer is by hosting a virtual food drive.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program Provides Stability for Central Florida Families

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a lifeline for local families facing hunger. This federal initiative supplements the diets of low-income individuals and families with fresh and nonperishable food, all sourced from American farms and funded through the U.S. Farm Bill. Food banks like Second Harvest play a crucial role in receiving, storing, and distributing these foods to neighbors across Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

3 ways to fight hunger this summer

As schools and cafeterias close for the summer, many children and families, who rely on school-provided meals for critical nutrition, are left facing the unfathomable: a summer of worry and hunger. The inflated cost of essentials coupled with the absence of essential school meals during summer break adds to the stress and tough decisions that parents face, such as choosing between paying rent and putting food on the table. 

By taking action, you can help food banks like Second Harvest step up their programming to distribute nutritious food to children and families, ensuring a hunger-free summer.