While inflation is leveling off, families with limited resources still find it challenging to shop for what they need at the grocery store. That's where Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and its network of 625 feeding partners step in to provide much-needed food assistance to kids, families and seniors experiencing food insecurity in seven counties, including Marion.
A recent mobile food distribution in Ocala was the first of its kind since the Food Bank expanded services to the area. Second Harvest's semi-truck delivered nonperishable, shelf-stable food, frozen meat, and fresh produce to families in partnership with Wings of Faith Fellowship.
Cars lined up ahead of the event, snaking through the church parking lot. Meanwhile, volunteers from the church food pantry and two local Publix stores helped pack carrots, potatoes, peppers and oranges for distribution.
“This is an unexpected blessing,” said Sara, who often walks to the church food pantry on Wednesdays. The amount of food at the distribution was more than she could carry home. She called a friend to pick her up. Volunteers loaded cereal, soup, rice, beans, chicken, bananas and watermelon into the trunk.
Before noon, volunteers distributed enough food for 29,278 meals to 431 families, including Sara's.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Sara as she climbed into the backseat. “This helps more than you know.”
Thanks to committed partners, supporters, volunteers and food donors, mobile food distributions occur two or three times a day in rural communities, food deserts and areas where access to fresh, healthy food is limited.
