With one in six children at risk of experiencing hunger on any given day in Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently expanded its School Partnerships Program in Volusia County.
Four public schools and three post-secondary schools in Volusia have started working with Second Harvest to implement a stigma-reducing operational model that best serves the needs of their students.
“My experience with working with the food pantry has been very delightful,” shares Austin, a student at Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach. “I get to meet new friends and help families who need help with clothes and food.”
Funding to support the student-centered approach to fighting hunger in Volusia County comes from Eileen and David Hoppen as well as a corporate contribution from The Boeing Company. While each school partnership operates differently to respond to student needs and campus capacity, students and families are able to access a variety of nutritious foods on a weekly basis.
“Food plays an important role in our lives and our faith,” shared Elieen Hoppen at a ribbon cutting event at the SHIELD School Market at Campbell Middle School. “Kids can’t learn if they are hungry and it means a lot to us to be able to support this type of program in Volusia County.”
“By providing this resource we’re helping to ensure that students and our community are well nourished and are able to thrive in school and beyond,” added Danielle Getty, representing The Boeing Company.
Second Harvest Food Bank operates its School Partnerships Program in seven counties and has a waiting list of schools seeking support for students and families.
