“Just because I have a car doesn’t mean I have enough money to buy food.” This quote, featured in a 2020 New York Times headline, offers a glimpse at the true face of hunger in America – and it’s not what you might expect. For most adults, the touchstone for “economic disaster” in our country is the 2007-2009 “Great Recession” – a long, slow slog through high unemployment … [Read more...] about The Pandemic, the Recession, and Hunger: What We’ve Learned
Coronavirus
Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Break
Hunger doesn’t take a summer break. Neither does Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and its network of 550 feeding partners. As the financial impact of the pandemic lingers, thousands of local families continue to face the daunting reality of hunger. One lifeline during the pandemic are the seven-day boxes assembled at Mercy Kitchen. Each box contains enough food … [Read more...] about Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Break
Where Are the Workers? A Win-Win Solution to Florida’s Labor Shortage
With nearly 10 million Americans actively looking for work, some employers face a surprising challenge: No one is applying for jobs. In small towns and sprawling metropolises alike, countless restaurants, hotels, construction sites and more are “now hiring” – with little to show for it. It’s not a problem anyone expected to face in 2021. For the last year and more, our … [Read more...] about Where Are the Workers? A Win-Win Solution to Florida’s Labor Shortage
Crystal’s story of hope and courage
It’s been said that desperate times call for desperate measures. Crystal knows that all too well. “We went fishing a few weeks ago just so we could have some meat,” she explains. Crystal says their family of six was comfortable before the pandemic hit. “There were times we had to rob Peter to pay Paul, but nothing like what we’ve had to do this year,” she says. 2020 … [Read more...] about Crystal’s story of hope and courage
Everybody needs a little help sometimes
Everybody needs a little help sometimes. For the last 15 years, Bobbi has been a helping hand to her neighbors as they recover from car accidents or heal after a stroke. As a private nursing assistant, she is a friendly face when they need her the most. But today, she finds herself in need of a little help. “I’m barely making it,” Bobbi says. During the pandemic, she’s … [Read more...] about Everybody needs a little help sometimes
