In preparation for the new academic year, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida provided free produce and pantry items at a recent Back to School Community Kickoff event at Washington Shores Elementary in Orlando. Thanks to support from Papa John’s Foundation, students and families could choose from a large variety of fruits and vegetables including strawberries, mangoes, lemons, tomatoes, yucca root and more.
“These are the families that you are serving every month through the School Partnerships Program,” explained Ms. Gadson, the event coordinator. “They are so grateful to receive this food.”
During the event, Zuri, a rising third grader, shared her excitement for the coming school year and to be back in her favorite subject: math. Her enthusiasm for fresh produce was contagious.
“There are mangoes! I love mangoes!” Zuri exclaimed.
With a nourished mind and body, Zuri can approach math challenges with clarity, focus, and energy. By joining forces with community organizations, educators, students and families, Second Harvest’s School Partnerships Program is working to build a bright future for students, like Zuri, one where every student feels empowered, valued and well-fed.
One parent expressed her gratitude saying, “I’m not alone in this and that’s a great feeling.”
Since its inception in 2017, the School Partnerships Program has provided over 1.6 million meals to students through in-school markets, fresh produce distributions and weekend snack packs. The program is flexible and works with each school to reduce stigma for students and families facing hunger.
When the first bell rings this week, Second Harvest Food Bank will be supporting students and families at more than 60 elementary, middle, high and post-secondary schools, thanks to supporters, volunteers and community partners like you.
By providing the healthy, nutritious meals students need to thrive, Second Harvest Food Bank is feeding inspiration, change, achievement, health – and families facing hunger.
