"Every day I wake up, I'm blessed," says Michele. Michele is a wife, a mother and a devoted volunteer. She lives in Orlando with her husband, Bill, a disabled veteran, and her autistic son. She also struggles with medical conditions that prevent her from working. With the inflated cost of rent, utilities, clothing and groceries, there were days Michele went without food to … [Read more...] about Michele’s Story
Stories of Hope & Courage
Striving Forward, One Meal at a Time
"A year ago, I was doing well," recalls Rose as she selects fresh vegetables from a food distribution in Kissimmee. Rose, a dedicated healthcare worker, works six days a week at two jobs. However, despite her hard work, it is not enough to keep up with the inflated cost of living and outstanding medical debt. "Just like that," she says and snaps her fingers, "Debts accrue, … [Read more...] about Striving Forward, One Meal at a Time
You are a Lifeline
Despite our best planning, life happens. Plans change. Maria knows this all too well. When she began to experience vertigo, her doctor told her that she couldn’t drive or go to work. “The situation was hard, very, very hard,” Maria recalls. A friend told her about a food pantry that could help with groceries until she was able to go back to work. “I called and, just … [Read more...] about You are a Lifeline
Students and Families Receive Help, New Foods at School Partnerships
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s School Partnership Program spent the first semester of the school year working with local partners and schools to fight childhood hunger. By working together, these powerful partnerships help eliminate obstacles preventing students and families from accessing the food resources they need to learn, grow and thrive. First, having … [Read more...] about Students and Families Receive Help, New Foods at School Partnerships
After School Meals Provide Stability for Students and Parents
Kids just want to be kids. However, studies show that one in five children in Central Florida are at risk of facing hunger at some point this year. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, along with volunteers, partners, and financial supporters, aims to ensure kids have access to the healthy, nutritious meals they need to thrive. One solution is Kids CafĂ©, an … [Read more...] about After School Meals Provide Stability for Students and Parents