Recent Stories
Meet the People Behind the Ultimate Garden Party
April is National Volunteer Month, and there are countless ways to help fight hunger in Central Florida. In addition to volunteering at the main Orlando distribution center or Mercy Kitchen, some individuals lend their time and talent to helping Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida by being on the Event Committee for the annual Ultimate Garden Party. Working to fight hunger and support their neighbors facing hunger, these devoted individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to nurture the event into a blooming success.
Duke Energy Foundation Grant Expands Perishable Food Distribution in Central Florida
“Making sure our neighbors have continued access to healthy meals goes well beyond the table,” said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “Proper nutrition helps reduce the risk of some diseases while fueling our minds and bodies to manage daily activities, which is especially important for growing children. As summer approaches, this funding from Duke means our partners can better bridge a meal gap many families face when school is out.”
More Duke Energy Foundation Grant Expands Perishable Food Distribution in Central Florida
Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine
A fresh style of cuisine has entered Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program. Joining classics like Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, plant-based cuisine is now part of the 16-week curriculum. Introducing students to this cooking style will prepare them better for real-world scenarios.
“It is definitely in the mainstream of the culinary industry,” Keonna Yearwood-Branch, program manager, explains. “For us, it was to update our curriculum to meet what we’re seeing in the workforce.”
Students spend five days learning to prepare and cook appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts without animal products. Many of the items on the menu are familiar foods – and that’s by design.