On Friday, August 28, food lovers and anti-hunger advocates came together for Taste! Central Florida presented by Edward Jones, one of the year’s most anticipated events. Now in its 37th year, the event featured top chefs, brewers, wine experts, and spirit vendors from the area. More than 2,000 guests enjoyed food, drinks, live music, and games at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The night was filled with great food and drinks, but most importantly, it raised over $400,000 to help provide healthy meals for kids in Central Florida who are facing hunger. With this support, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida can provide over 1.6 million meals to kids in the coming year.
With one in five local kids facing hunger, Second Harvest supports childhood nutrition through a variety of programs and initiatives, including its School Partnerships, Kids Cafe and Summer Food Service programs, which provide comprehensive access to nutritious meals year-round.
“Funds from Taste! Central Florida make it possible for Second Harvest to distribute 300,000 meals daily to individuals facing the challenges of hunger,” said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “It’s the heartwarming compassion and support from our amazing community that keeps us going – tirelessly working to close the troubling hunger gap right here in Central Florida.”
Guests sampled small plates and drinks from more than 70 of Central Florida’s top chefs, restaurants, and caterers, including Plate Above Catering, the exclusive caterer for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Over 50 brewers, distilleries, wine experts, and specialty vendors also served drinks throughout the evening. Along with the food and drinks, guests enjoyed live music, a popular silent auction, and captivating games.
Taste! Central Florida happens thanks to the hard work of a talented volunteer-led planning committee. Thank you to every event volunteer for their effort and enthusiasm, which made the event so memorable. Special thanks to committee co-chairs Haley Hitzing, Ryan Grail, Elizabeth Buske, Christina Nguyen, Bill Sullivan, and Nicole Spooner.
Events like Taste! Central Florida rely on the generosity of financial sponsors, in-kind donations, media partners, and more than 300 volunteers. Central Florida truly stepped up to ensure kids have access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive year-round.
