Leonor recently visited Our Lady of Hope Food Pantry in Port Orange for the first time.
Her vehicle broke down, causing her family an unexpected major expense, leaving little money leftover for food.
“It’s so helpful considering my circumstances of today,” she said. “Everything is so expensive, and rent is high.”
Many Central Florida neighbors are just one unexpected expense or emergency away from becoming food insecure. With household budgets already stretched thin, a vehicle repair, medical bill or appliance replacement can send things into financial chaos.
More Volusia Pantry Steps in and Steps Up for Neighbors Facing Hunger
On Saturday, June 7, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recognized 17 Culinary Training Program students during a graduation ceremony. Food bank staff, family, friends, and employers joined the celebration to recognize each student’s achievements. In addition to learning hands-on food preparation and gaining kitchen training similar to the curriculum of professional culinary institutions, students spend part of their days in the classroom, learning career and life skills to help them pursue entry-level food-industry jobs.
Last month, the school bell rang for the last time. Homework, vocabulary tests and the hustle and bustle of the school year came to a screeching halt. While many aspects of a child’s life are on hold this summer, one thing doesn’t take a break: the need for regular access to healthy, nutritious food.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a member of Feeding America – the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. SHFBCF secures and distributes food and grocery products to more than 500 local nonprofit feeding partners throughout Central Florida. Through the help of food and financial donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributes enough food for a quarter of a million meals every day to the six-county service area. Feeding our neighbors facing hunger is only the beginning. By investing in job training programs, advocating for access to nutritious foods, and inspiring our community to get involved, SHFBCF is leaning into the root causes of hunger and transforming lives. With the support of our Central Florida community, Second Harvest Food Bank is feeding inspiration, change, achievement, health — and families facing hunger. To learn more about SHFBCF, visit FeedHopeNow.org.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. Tax ID Number: 59-2142315 Email: info@feedhopenow.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, Florida 32805
(p) 407-295-1066
Click here for more information.