Hunger doesn’t take a summer break, nor does the need for good nutrition. That’s why Second Harvest and its supporters and partners are working to ensure kids, families and seniors have the food they need to thrive this summer.
Here are three ways you can find help this summer:
1. Food Assistance
Second Harvest works with 800 feeding partners across its seven-county service area, including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia. These emergency food pantries, community meal programs, shelters, senior centers and daycares work together to ensure nutritious food reaches neighbors facing hunger in a safe and efficient manner.
Input your address to use the food bank’s Food Locator tool to find the locations closest to you, along with contact and distribution information.
2. Summer Meals for Kids
As part of the Florida Summer Break Spot program, Second Harvest prepares, packages and distributes nutritious meals and snacks free of charge to kids and teens ages 18 and under throughout the summer months. Volunteers help prep and pack meals at Mercy Kitchen, which are then delivered to community centers, summer camps, and other places where children can safely gather for a meal, Monday through Friday.
Below each location on the map, you will find each site’s schedule, meals offered, and contact information. If you don’t see any sites near you, check back soon, as the map is updated twice daily.
You can also call 2-1-1 or 850-617-7170.
3. Benefits Connection
Another way Second Harvest helps put food on the table this summer is by providing support throughout the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process.
The Benefits Connection program sends trained specialists into the community to provide free, one-on-one assistance with SNAP benefit applications to individuals, families, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Specialists can be found at community centers, food pantries, libraries and outreach events across six Central Florida counties.
You can also apply for SNAP online.
Here are three ways you can help fight summer hunger:
1. Donate Funds
One in seven Central Floridians is facing hunger this summer. Your financial support helps Second Harvest distribute nutritious meals to kids, families, and seniors when they need it most. For every $10 you donate, 40 meals are provided . And now until June 30, your gift doubles and provides 80 meals per $10 donation, thanks to a generous donor who is matching all donations.
2. Volunteer
Sign up to help prepare meals for kids at Mercy Kitchen or sort food at Orlando or Melbourne-based distribution centers. Individuals and groups are welcome, and it’s a great opportunity for high school students to earn Bright Futures community service hours. Volunteers must be at least 10 years old to sort food donations (with a chaperone) and 16 years old to participate at Mercy Kitchen. Most volunteer shifts are available Monday through Saturday with flexible morning and afternoon times.
3. Start a food and fund drive
Hosting a food and fund drive is not only fun but also an incredibly simple way to engage friends, family, and coworkers in a group effort to help feed kids and families this summer. Consider collecting some of our most-needed items, such as low-salt and low-sugar canned foods, whole grains, and canned proteins.
With your help, Central Florida families will have food on the table and a hope-filled summer.
Hunger doesn’t take a summer break, and neither does Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Together with donors, volunteers and advocates, the Food Bank continues to fight hunger, feed hope and help neighbors thrive.
