Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently received a $27,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation through the Powerful Communities program.
The funding expanded the cold storage capacity at eight of Second Harvest’s community feeding partners, allowing them to distribute even more perishable foods to neighbors in Brevard, Osceola and Volusia counties.
“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.”
Second Harvest is one of five Feeding Florida food banks to collectively receive $100,000 in community capacity building grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.
“Many food banks have experienced unprecedented demand in the last few years,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are excited to support Second Harvest with funding and a team of dedicated Duke Energy volunteers. Together, we can reach even more Florida families experiencing hunger and continue meeting the increased need in the communities we serve.”
This past weekend, 10 Duke Energy employees participated in a food distribution event in Central Florida with West Volusia Dream Center in Orange City.
The Duke Energy Foundation’s Powerful Communities program makes strategic investments to build powerful communities where natural resources thrive, students can excel, and a talented workforce drives economic prosperity for all. The Foundation annually funds more than $30 million to communities throughout Duke Energy’s seven-state service area.
