Stories of Hope

Building on the success of last year's pilot program, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has received a $475,000 grant from The Wawa Foundation Fly Beyond® Key Issue Grant program to provide fresh produce and nonperishable foods to students and families who are experiencing food insecurity.

“Wawa’s continued partnership is invaluable,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO of Second Harvest. “This grant ensures students in Central Florida have access to the nutritious wholesome food they need to thrive as more and more families have to make difficult decisions about what they can afford.”

Support from The Wawa Foundation will enable Second Harvest to continue many of the elements that the Fly Beyond Program developed and introduced last year. The food bank is estimated to reach more than 70,000 households during the upcoming school year through the food bank’s School Partnerships Program. The funding will:

• Add five new fresh market sites at local schools.
• Provide 40 fresh market sites with $1,000 worth of produce each month during the academic year.
• Support more than 70 School Markets with nonperishable food.

“The Fly Beyond Key Issue Grant is a significant effort to fight food insecurity in our communities and will focus on programs emphasizing that good, nutritious food can build healthy habits, support the success of students and help them thrive,” said Elizabeth Simeone, President of The Wawa Foundation. “We are thrilled to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as they work to provide consistent access to nutritious and healthy meals for kids. By supporting these programs and our partners, we hope to inspire others, raise awareness and reach more youth to help them achieve their greatest potential.”

In total, The Wawa Foundation is awarding $1.5 million to 29 Fly Beyond Key Issue Grant recipients as part of a set of signature initiatives that will increase the amount of fresh, nutritious meals available to youth and families through its food bank partners.