Food Fuels Learning and Builds Community

“It feels like Christmas because Christmas is magical,” said Emma, age 10. “It feels like this, like an opportunity for a better life.”

“I think it’s like Christmas and Thanksgiving because at Christmas you get and give gifts, and at Thanksgiving you’re thankful,” said Serena, age 11.

Emma and Serena were among a group of fifth-grade student ambassadors at Kissimmee Elementary at the grand opening celebration of Benny’s Bodega, the newest School Market in Osceola County. As school leaders, they were responsible for stocking the shelves inside the market.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently celebrated the grand opening of Benny’s Bodega with the student volunteers, school leaders and donors who made it possible.

Ending the Vicious Cycle of Hunger

Joseph found himself in a line at a local church food pantry. His health issues had forced him to allocate a significant portion of his monthly expenses to treatment, just to stay employed and maintain health insurance. He turned to a local Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida feeding partner for help with food assistance.

“It’s just a vicious cycle,” he said. “I can’t afford anything extra, so this means so much.”

For 1 in 8 Central Floridians like Joseph, hunger is a daily disaster often brought on by expensive medications and high costs of living.

Culinary Program Offers Immersive Training

Do you know how to cook a skate properly?

Jens Dahlmann, Vice President of Culinary Operations at Universal Orlando Resort, recently taught students participating in Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program how to prepare the close relative of a stingray in brown butter with caper sauce.

“It’s sweet,” a student said after sampling the skate. “It’s fantastic.”

Taking a Chance on Yourself Can Change Everything

“There are times in life when your inner self is really battling and trying to get through, out into the world, and you may not know how,” Angeline said. “But when opportunity strikes and you see that you have the potential of making a difference in the world, … don’t hesitate on taking it. That’s just life putting you where you need to be.”

After spending three years at home with her son and enrolling him in a local Head Start program, Angeline was ready to enter the workforce but didn’t have much experience or skills.