During Hispanic Heritage Month, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is elevating stories of collaboration and hope from the community. The collective actions and voices of partners, volunteers and advocates truly make a difference in the fight against hunger.
Carmen
Carmen fights hunger by volunteering at Second Harvest every week.
As a long-time Orlando resident, Carmen was always aware of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s crucial role in the community’s fight against hunger. Fueled by her passion for community service, she decided to step up and volunteer.
“It’s been a positive experience because it gives me a sense of purpose,” Carmen shares. “I feel good knowing I am doing something for someone else, and I have met many new and amazing people along the way.”
Her role as a volunteer at the food bank involves sorting food donations, an essential task that helps ensure donated food is ready for distribution to children, families and seniors facing hunger.
“Just get involved, take some action, and start donating your time,” Carmen advises, urging anyone who wants to make a difference to join the cause.
Carmen’s story is a powerful testament to the joy and fulfillment of giving back. It also serves as a reminder of the significant impact one person can have on a community.
Maddy
Maddy fights hunger by educating neighbors on nutrition.
As a Second Harvest nutrition educator, Maddy teaches neighbors how to lead a nutritious lifestyle. She is passionate about empowering individuals to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.
“I take pleasure in incorporating my teaching background into everyday nutrition lessons with my participants on healthy eating and vigorous lifestyles,” says Maddy.
Every day, Maddy has the opportunity to make a significant impact. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is knowing that the effort she puts in directly improves people’s lives. Through her classes, Maddy promotes healthy lifestyle choices and provides education on preventable conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, making a tangible difference in the lives of her participants.
Maddy encourages anyone interested in hunger relief to become a volunteer or advocate. By spreading the word and raising awareness, you can help connect more people to the cause and available resources.
“You never know who may be struggling and could use a helping hand,” says Maddy.
Juan
Juan fights hunger by restoring hope for his neighbors.
“I never thought I would be in a position like this, where my choices become blessings for others,” says Juan, Director of Food Ministries with Catholic Charities of Central Florida, one of Second Harvest’s 750 feeding partners.
Juan’s journey began unexpectedly when a friend suggested that he take on a role in directing a food pantry ministry. Despite initial uncertainty, Juan decided to seize the opportunity. Little did he know this experience would transform his life and positively impact countless others.
“Being able to see the results, seeing a child smile, seeing how families trust in what you are doing, and making our neighbors happy with the help we provide,” Juan says. “Restoring hope in the hearts of all those who come to participate in our program, one box at a time, is incredibly fulfilling.”
As a Second Harvest feeding partner, Juan oversees the food ministry operations for Catholic Charities’ main facility in Orlando and locations across Central Florida. He ensures a variety of fresh and nutritious food is available for distribution, coordinates retail donation pickups at local grocers, and motivates volunteers as they welcome and assist food recipients.
“Seeing the relief on the faces of everyone we help is priceless, and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” says Juan.
Mariel
Mariel fights hunger by fostering a culture of volunteerism with her coworkers and family.
As a Bank of America associate, Mariel first volunteered with her teammates at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
“I realized the need for this service in our communities was great,” recalls Mariel. Afterward, she began to volunteer with her family and share with her teenage son how a few hours spent preparing summer lunches or packing holiday meal boxes can immediately impact a child or family.
Her motivations for coming back to volunteer again and again include:
- Helping others in a fulfilling way,
- Developing new skills,
- Meeting new people, and
- Gaining a sense of purpose that has contributed to her overall well-being.
Volunteering has humbled my whole family,” Mariel shares. “It’s also great when someone sees my company t-shirt and says, ‘Hey, I bank with you.’ It feels good to know that the company I work for values the community I serve.”
Hispanic Heritage Month also overlaps with Hunger Action Month. Mariel is quick to offer tips that individuals, families and workplace teams can take to support their neighbors facing hunger.
“Whether you help sort and distribute food to those in need, start a food supply drive at your workplace or volunteer, you’re making a real difference in people’s lives and combatting hunger in your community.”
