“It's always been in me to help people,” says Eddy, the backbone of East Coast Dream Center in Seminole County. He and his wife, Shye, operate a food pantry supported by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The Dream Center aims to support families by providing access to nutritious food in a respectful, empowering environment.
What sets the Dream Center apart from other local food pantries is its choice model. Neighbors schedule appointments online and, when they arrive, are welcomed inside to fill out a grocery list, selecting their preferred foods from a list of available options. A volunteer shops the shelves, refrigerator, and freezer based on their selections, gathering canned goods, fresh produce, and frozen meat.
“They control what they are taking home to eat,” says Eddy.
Eddy explains that this approach gives dignity to those seeking assistance by allowing them to choose their food, while also reducing food waste since people only take what they want or need.
With one in seven Central Florida neighbors facing hunger, Eddy says more and more working families are reaching out for help.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to make ends meet,” says Yolanda, who works for the school system and is a foster parent. “They offer a little bit of everything, and my little girl loves spaghetti. Coming here and being able to get spaghetti, sauce and chopped meat makes a whole meal and a world of difference.”
Making a difference, one meal and one family at a time, is the heart of our mission to fight hunger, feed hope, and help neighbors thrive.
You can help feed hope for local families.
$10 provides 40 meals – and hope.
