Together We Make a Difference

Before the sun rises, cars line up behind orange cones for food assistance. This was a common sight during the pandemic, and it continues to persist at a food distribution hosted by Advance Community Center, one of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s 750 feeding partners.

“You are not going to get up at 2 o’clock in the morning to wait for food if you don’t really need it,” says Sylvia, a volunteer and retired federal government employee.

1 in 8 Central Floridians face hunger, and inflation exacerbates the issue.

Beyond the Table: Social Determinants of Health

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to focus on how what you eat affects your health. There’s more to consider about your health than simply eating better and exercising. According to the County Health Rankings Model of Health, our personal health choices only account for about 30% of our overall health.

Your health is significantly influenced by factors beyond your individual control, such as access to healthcare, where you live, and your social circumstances like income, education, and support from friends and family. These are known as the Social Determinants of Health. They include the conditions of your birth, life, work, leisure, and worship, as well as your age. These factors deeply affect your daily health and your ability to make healthy choices.

Distributing Meals and Hopes through Mobile Drops

Behind the hundreds of boxes and bags of food compiled by volunteers, cars line up all around the block. As 1 in 8 Central Floridians face hunger, the hundreds of families in these cars are among the unfortunate numbers affected by this haunting statistic.

5 Heart Healthy “To Do’s” for Kids

Nutrition education is essential for fostering a healthier society. Starting early in life with comprehensive nutrition education is crucial, as childhood lays the groundwork for lifelong habits and attitudes towards food. Understanding the importance of nutrition from a young age helps prevent the development of unhealthy eating habits and reduces the risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life. Although nutrition education is important, it may be challenging for parents to implement these practices with their kids. Consider these “to do’s” that will not only benefit your child’s heart health, but also set the foundation for a lifetime of well-being.