Archive for February, 2010

February 24, 2010

Produce to the People

Author: Erin Gray

On January 30th, Second Harvest Food Bank and New Covenant Church participated in our Produce to the People Program. Through this partnership with New Covenant Church, we were able to provide more food to individuals in Orange County on this day. Since the church is located in a part of East Orange County where there are few food pantries, the food distributed was made available to many that normally would not receive it.

This was our sixth Produce to the People mobile drop that we have enlisted our partner agencies to be a part of. With this program, Second Harvest Food Bank drops off ten pallets of fruits, vegetables and bakery items at a mobile location. These items usually have a short shelve life span or are perishable. 

The majority of the produce we received was from the gleaning that the Society of St. Andrews volunteers collected. New Covenant Church received two pallets of potatoes and three pallets of oranges that were recently gleaned from farms. The remaining pallets for the agency’s distribution were two pallets of bottled juice and four pallets of assorted bread and bakery products.  

700+ families showed up at New Covenant for the normal Saturday distribution only to find that there were an additional 11 pallets of fresh items waiting for them to take home. Both New Covenant Church and its clients were extremely happy to be receiving this additional food.

Because of our Partnership with our Partner Agencies, donors and people like Society of St. Andrews, we were able be a part of the Fight to End Hunger.

Slideshow:

Erin Gray
Agency Relations Manager

February 24, 2010

The Haunting Calls Keep Coming

Author: Dave Krepcho

At Second Harvest, we’ve seen a large increase in the number of calls from individuals requiring food. In addition to the 21 million pounds of food we distribute during a year, we receive an average of 20 calls per day from people seeking assistance.

Not only is it sad that these folks are hungry and cannot afford food, but it is distressing once you find out who they are. Many are grandmothers watching their grand kids or great grand kids, some are single mothers working full time and still cannot make ends meet and then there are the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans that are foreclosing on their homes and cannot afford to eat.

These calls haunt the folks at Second Harvest who answer the phones. Fortunately, there is somewhat of a hopeful side to this blog, we are able to refer these folks to one of our many partner programs so they can be helped.

If you ever wondered if your involvement in the cause mattered, wonder no more. Thank you for your support.

Dave Krepcho
President & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

February 22, 2010

Helping the Homeless

Author: Brady Koch

Two weeks ago our Benefits Connection team participated in Project Homeless Connect at Discovery Church. Homeless Services Network of Central Florida organizes local nonprofits for these events so that the Homeless can receive a variety of services at one convenient stop. In addition to our food stamp outreach, guests were able to receive clothing, blankets, haircuts and more.

Our tables were busy for the entire day. I’m sure the cold and the rain helped encourage people to come inside for a few hours to learn about the public benefits they may qualify for. After seeing the impact this event has for the clients first hand, we will definitely continue to participate in Project Homeless Connect.

Brady Koch
Director of Agency Relations and Programs

February 12, 2010

Disney Builds the World’s Largest Structure of Canned Food

Author: Sasha Hausman

Yesterday we went to the unveiling of the world’s largest structure made of canned food at Walt Disney World! The massive sculpture titled “Celebrate Volunteers” was unveiled as part of a special “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” celebration honoring family volunteers and the spirit of giving at Epcot’s World Showcase.

It took about 500 hours of volunteer work to construct and shape the 44 tons of food into the Disney character structure. All 115,000 cans that it took to make the structure will make its way back to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The food will be sorted and shared with other Feeding America food banks in our network!

We were so happy and honored to be at such a wonderful event, Kermit and Ty Pennington (host of ABC’s Extreme Makeover) were even there! A big thanks to Disney and all the volunteers who helped create, build, and pack up the giant structure!!

Pictures:

Video from DisneyParks Blog

 
Sasha Hausman
Events Specialist

February 12, 2010

Community Comes Together to Hear Hunger Study Results

Author: Sasha Hausman

Monday night, volunteers, donors, board members, food bank employees, and community supporters came out to the Orlando Repertory Theatre to hear the results of our Hunger in Central Florida 2010 study.  Although the numbers were grave and the statistics were shocking, the feeling in the room was one of hope and promise. 

Guests heard from our President and CEO, Dave Krepcho. He explained the study, talked about the numbers, gave insight on what Second Harvest plans to do about it, and gave examples on what our community can do to help.

Then a special speaker came up to the podium, her name was Annie Busby. She received food from one of our partner agencies, Jewish Family Services. She explained how she was self employed and was doing pretty well, until the economy took a turn. Annie was left with her children, and grandchildren to support. She explained that the food wasn’t just something to eat … it was a sign that things were looking up and that she could get through this tough time.

Annie read a poem that she wrote in dedication and honor to Second Harvest Food Bank

Oh shine on me with greatness, thy one who prepares thy meal, show me thy love; by the bread that you yield.
Give to me the importance of nutrient to my body, so that I can achieve.
Give me supplements to help with my yield, that I will grow strong to face the dawning morn.
Walk with me through the pain of hunger, by filling my stomach so that I know not hunger.
For I was hungry and you fed me, I was alone and you gave me hope. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink.
Thanks for the out stretched hand, thanks for the morsels of food.
From me to you; thank you, that I am stronger because of you.
For I too, am a child of the king, a pilgrim in a strange land.

Thank you to everyone that took the time to learn more about Hunger in Central Florida. If you were not able to make it to the reception, please check out the hunger study results online.

Have any ideas on how to help? Give us a call! (407) 295-1066

Photos from the reception:

 

Sasha Hausman
Events Specialist