In the season of gratitude, meals and hope abound, thanks to the dedication and acts of kindness of hunger heroes across Central Florida. Here are five reasons to celebrate good things happening in our community.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the oxygen that keeps Second Harvest’s mission moving forward. Every day, individuals and groups lend a helping hand to sort, pack, and prepare nutritious food for distribution to children, families and seniors facing hunger.
“After I retired, I knew that I wanted to do volunteer work and give back to the community,” said Leslie, who has become a regular volunteer at Mercy Kitchen. “I really like the hands-on work that is done, and every single day, I go home knowing how much I’ve helped the community fight hunger. I also really enjoy the super friendly staff and the wonderful volunteers that I work with. I have met so many amazing people through my volunteer work at Mercy Kitchen.”
To find a volunteer opportunity, visit https://feedhopenow.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Food Drives
Each fall, school groups, community organizations, businesses and individuals often rally to collect nonperishable food to share with neighbors experiencing hunger.
This fall, Quest Kids Academy held its first-ever student-led food drive. Students were inspired to take action after hearing how the government shutdown was affecting hunger across Central Florida. Students collected 213 pounds of food, enough to provide 177 meals for neighbors this holiday season.
The kindness of community food and fund drives makes it possible for neighbors to put food on the table during the holiday season and beyond.
Feeding Partners
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s network of 870 feeding partners helps distribute food and grocery products to neighbors in seven counties, including emergency food pantries, shelters, after-school programs and community centers. Their dedication and compassion are truly remarkable.
Across Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties, feeding partners enable neighbors to access food when they need it most.
Supporters
Financial donations make an incredible difference in the fight against hunger. Every dollar donated to Second Harvest Food Bank can provide four nutritious meals for neighbors facing hunger. In addition to one-time and monthly donations, corporate gifts, virtual food drives and planned giving all contribute to the fight against hunger.
However you choose to give, thank you.
Advocates
Ending hunger in Central Florida is no small task. Thanks to the many advocates who share posts on social media, invite friends to volunteer, organize fundraising events and much, much more, Second Harvest can lean into the gap of unmet need.
Recently, Beth McKee and the Swamp Sistas launched their “Power Lines” project with an album release party at Timucua Arts. The event was a celebration of music, community, friendship and compassion. Funds from the project help support Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s mission to fight hunger and feed hope.
Food brings people together, especially during the holidays. It is a time to nourish traditions, celebrate and share meals with loved ones.
Thank you for being part of our caring community.
