Holiday Hope for 3,400 Families

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Orange County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services set out on December 14 to provide meals – and hope – for the holidays at the 15th annual holiday food drop. Students heading home for the two-week holiday not only take a break from homework and tests, they also leave behind free, school-provided meals, making the need for assistance even greater during this time of the year.

Fighting hunger in unique and impactful ways

During May, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by sharing stories of collaboration and hope from our community.

Hunger-fighting individuals help support neighbors facing hunger in unique and impactful ways. For instance, Ricky supports fundraising events, Hannah facilitates weekly food distributions, William coordinates with feeding partners and Kim and Allie volunteer. Every action they take, big or small, helps kids, families, and seniors access the food they need to thrive.

Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine

A fresh style of cuisine has entered Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program. Joining classics like Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, plant-based cuisine is now part of the 16-week curriculum. Introducing students to this cooking style will prepare them better for real-world scenarios.

“It is definitely in the mainstream of the culinary industry,” Keonna Yearwood-Branch, program manager, explains. “For us, it was to update our curriculum to meet what we’re seeing in the workforce.”

Students spend five days learning to prepare and cook appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts without animal products. Many of the items on the menu are familiar foods – and that’s by design.

Meet Hope Helps, Where Two Women are on a Mission

“There’s no better feeling than being able to just hand something to someone who needs it and wasn’t sure how else they were going to get it,” says Patricia, Director of Client Services at Hope Helps, one of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s feeding partners.

Lead by an all women executive team, Hope Helps fights hunger and homelessness in Seminole County. The food pantry is open multiple days a week, allowing neighbors to choose which food items to take home. Options include fresh produce, lean proteins and pantry staples like canned goods and cereals.

“Just coming to get the supplemental food is a game-changer for people,” explains Joan, Hope Helps’ President and CEO.