Hispanic Heritage Month and Hunger Action Month overlap on the calendar and in many other ways. Food is central to many cultures, but it is more than a meal. Food represents love, family, community and tradition. Meet three Central Floridians who are honoring their heritage and playing their part to fight hunger.
Name: Diana
Connection to Second Harvest: Feeding Partner – Director of Muslim Social Services and Seeds of Hope Food Pantry
Who inspires you? Freda Kahlo
Why is fighting hunger important to you?
“I was, for thirteen years, a single mother of two boys. Although I had a job, I was struggling to make ends meet in the beginning. I know and understand the pains of hunger and not having everything you’d like to have in your pantry to feed your children and yourself.
We must help all in need. I feel good knowing that I am helping that single mother, that single father, the elderly, those who are unhoused, those who like me have a job, but cannot afford the inflation of groceries. They know they can come to our pantry and pick up groceries that can help them get through for a few days at the minimum.”
Share anything about your heritage:
“I am proud to be Latina/Hispanic. My roots on my father’s side are Taina Indian from my grandmother and Sephardic Jew lineage from my grandfather. From my mother’s side, I have Aztec blood from my grandfather, and I am of French and Spanish descent from my grandmother. I was born and raised in Brooklyn in a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood. Although I technically cannot properly identify as a pure Newyorican, because I am only half Puerto Rican, I am extremely proud of my DNA makeup overall. I feel I have the best of three worlds and cultures, with the best food.”
What do you want to say to Central Florida?
“In today’s economy, many are just one paycheck away from being unhoused. I encourage all who are financially stable to please be aware of that and find out about local organizations that are established to help.
Volunteer and see with your own eyes the amount of food that moves through Second Harvest that is going out to the counties and reaching the tables of thousands of your neighbors.
I say please get to know your neighbors again. Check in on the elderly, the single parents, those who are single. Get to know one another.”
Name: Stephanie
Connection to Second Harvest: Staff Member – Director of Advocacy and Government Relations
Who inspires you? Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Roberto Clemente
Why is fighting hunger important to you?
“We all know someone who is food insecure; we just might not realize it. Anyone can experience a health emergency or job loss and face challenging times. It is important to me to be part of the solution for hardworking families and individuals. Hunger is a solvable problem and Second Harvest, our partner agencies, and our generous community are part of the solution every day.”
Share anything about your heritage:
“My family is Puerto Rican. My favorite memories from growing up, and from adulthood, are centered around food. Food always brings my family together, whether it be for a Sunday dinner or celebrating Noche Buena. The smell of Puerto Rican cooking reminds me of home, family, and comfort.”
What do you want to say to Central Florida?
“Small acts of kindness can make an impact for families facing hunger. Volunteering your time, spreading the word about organizations serving neighbors, and contributing funds are all ways individuals can make a difference. Educating your friends and family about the work of Second Harvest and feeding partners in Central Florida is a powerful way to help.”
