Along a busy state road in the middle of Orlando sits a place of hope, a respite for neighbors facing uncertainty.
“This is a ministry that is changing lives,” says Juan Vega, director of food ministries at Catholic Charities of Central Florida.
Juan's belief in the transformative power of the ministry is palpable. For him, it is about more than providing food; it is about creating a safe haven, lending a listening ear, and sharing a cup of coffee with a friend in need. Watch how one box of food turns into a blessing for a neighbor below.
The power of the ministry lies in its partnerships. From the dedicated volunteers to the staff at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the local Walmart Neighborhood Market associates, working together is crucial in the fight against hunger in Central Florida.
“To actually partner with people that actually see it the same way as you do, people that actually understand what you're doing… that's crucial,” he emphasized, his voice tinged with deep gratitude for those who set aside food donations at the store, the driver who loads donations onto the truck and the volunteers who help unload, sort and distribute food for community members.
“Walmart has been crucial into adding that balance to the blessing that we do,” he acknowledged, appreciating the abundance of fresh produce, meat, dairy and other essentials they provide.
Through important partnerships that fight hunger year-round, and community support through the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, people are fed, and lives are nourished. The pantry at Catholic Charities is one example of the crucial role Second Harvest’s feeding partner network has on the lives of individuals like Michele, a widow living on a fixed income.
“I feel good because I know I'm gonna receive some help that I need. Things are tight for everybody,” explains Michele, a retiree living on a fixed income. She is one of 600 families a week served at Catholic Charities.
“It's helpful,” says Michele, who is trying to manage insulin prices with a rise in rent and groceries. “It's really helpful.”
Michele takes home a box filled with fresh produce, milk, bread, lean meat and pantry staples. But she takes home more than that. She brings home a sense of stability, security and community.
“The blessing is truly ours,” says Juan, grateful for each smile shared, each moment of kindness exchanged, and each box of food and hope.
