Hunger Action Month inspires individuals and groups to find simple and creative ways to help fight hunger. With one in eight Central Floridians facing hunger, there is no shortage of ways companies and organizations can get involved and make a difference on behalf of their neighbors. Here are some examples of corporate partners engaging their team members and the community to raise funds, elevate awareness, and get hands-on by volunteering.
Ten10 Brewing
Since 2015, Ten10 Brewing has crafted a neighborhood brewery, nurtured by locals and visitors from afar, explains Mike Smith with Ten10 Brewing, adding, “Being that we are so rooted in our community, it only makes sense that we care for our neighbors facing food insecurity.”
For several years, Ten10 has collaborated with Second Harvest on special beer collections, live music events, and the annual Ribfest each January. For Hunger Action Month, Ten10 released a limited-edition beer, the “30 in 30 “American Wheat Ale. This refreshing and unique brew, with proceeds from the sales benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, is available on tap and in 16-oz cans during September at the brewery and select ABC locations.
Canstruction
Canstruction is a unique design competition in which teams of architects, engineers, and designers create large-scale structures using cans of food and nonperishable grocery items. This international event, held at a local level in cities around the world, combines creativity and community service. After the structures are built, they are put on display for the public to view and create awareness of their purpose. Once the exhibit concludes, all items are donated to local food banks, providing much-needed resources to neighbors facing hunger.
“I’ve learned how big of a problem hunger is in Central Florida and all over the world,” explains Laurie Orlando, Canstruction Committee Chair. “When I became involved with Canstruction, my dad shared with me how his grandmother would create bundles of food when he was younger and have him deliver them to neighbors who needed a little help. Trying to help others is in my DNA!”
Check out photos from the event and vote for your favorite structure on Facebook.
Top Golf
“Volunteering is incredibly important to our company as Caring is one of our central core values,” explains Travis Waldor, a hospitality manager with Topgolf Orlando.
Throughout the year, team members volunteer for 3-hour shifts at the main Orlando distribution center, sorting donated meats and protein items from local retailers, ensuring the food is safe and ready to be distributed to kids, families and seniors in Central Florida. They even hold the Second Harvest record for the most meat sorted in a single shift!
“It is our intention every time we step into the warehouse to break our own record,” Travis says proudly.
Travis adds that volunteering helps strengthen the bond of their team.
“There is no quantifying the joy on a team member’s face when they immerse themselves in helping others. It brings us together through this common goal that has immeasurable impact beyond our core business.”
If you are looking for a way your company or organization can get involved in hunger relief efforts in Central Florida, consider holding a food and fund drive this fall, scheduling a volunteer opportunity or hosting a community event to engage your customers. Each action makes an incredible difference.
