Every day in Central Florida, people like David visit Second Harvest Food Bank’s partners to get the nutritious food they need.
David and his wife retired and moved to Florida, hoping to enjoy their golden years in the sunshine along the Space Coast. With the cost of living eating up more and more of their fixed income, they turned to South Brevard Sharing Center, a Second Harvest feeding partner, to help keep their shelves stocked with food.
“Our money just doesn’t go as far as it used to,” David explained as he pushed a grocery cart through the food pantry. “We have a home, and we’re thankful for it, but times are hard.”
South Brevard Sharing Center is part of Second Harvest's nutritious pantry network, which demonstrates its commitment to implementing practices that support neighbors’ access, choice, and use of nutritious foods. Its shelves feature fresh produce, low-sodium items, lean meats, and other staples.
David does most of the shopping at the food pantry because his wife’s health keeps her at home. Thanks to supporters like you, he can select the fresh fruits and vegetables they both need and enjoy, but often can’t afford.
David knows his wife loves green vegetables like zucchini and fresh lettuce, even though they aren’t his favorite. He adds them to the cart for her.
“My favorite are the fruits,” said David, grabbing a bunch of bananas. “I also like it when I can choose beef from the meat cooler.”
With help from Vicki, a regular volunteer, David fills his cart with canned beans, tomato sauce, pasta, and fresh bread.
“I love that people can pick their own groceries here,” says Vicki, who noticed a big drop in food waste now the pantry provides full choice, more like a grocery store, rather than pre-packed boxes. “It gives a sense of welcome and dignity for everyone.”
Vicki wanted to give back to her community, which supported her when she was a single parent. For her, it’s important that single parents, working adults, and retired seniors like David all have the same access to healthy food.
“Everyone can find a way to help, if it’s food, donations or volunteering; nothing is wasted,” says Vicki.
It takes a whole community working together to transform the health of our neighbors.
