In preparation for the new school year, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida provided free produce and pantry items at back-to-school events across Central Florida, including one at Washington Shores Elementary School in Orlando. Through the School Partnerships Program, students and families could choose from a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including carrots, apples, mangos and dragon fruit.
During the event, Cameron, a rising second grader, shared his excitement when he saw dragon fruit on the table. His family sampled dragon fruit at the grocery store this summer, and he’s been obsessed with it ever since.
“Everyone should try it,” Cameron says, adding a helpful tip, “You just have to cut the skin off first.”
Second Harvest’s School Partnerships Program, a resource for food assistance outside of traditional school meals, collaborates with community organizations, educators, student leaders, and families to build a future where every student feels empowered, valued, and well-fed. Often students take the lead in running the market, fostering a sense of pride, and reducing stigma.
“I was looking for help, and the school recommended the market to me,” explains Kenyetta, mother to Kylie and Kaliyah, who often volunteers to pack boxes and bags of food. “It helps me out because I’m a single mom with a tight budget,”
“It feels great because we’re helping,” says Kylie, a rising fourth grader who is an active volunteer at the Washington Shores market.
“We’re helping people, and it helps us out too,” adds Kaliyah. The sisters are looking forward to volunteering again this year.
Since its inception in 2017, the School Partnerships Program has provided over 2.6 million meals to students. For the 2024-25 school year, Second Harvest Food Bank will support students and families at more than 70 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.
