“It’s really all about wellbeing,” said Yaneisy.
As the operations director of the St. Cloud Dream Center, one of Second Harvest’s 750+ feeding partners, Yaneisy emphasizes the center’s commitment to ensuring that every neighbor who walks through its doors is not just fed but also nourished and cared for.
The Dream Center is a certified Second Harvest Nutritious Pantry, and the emphasis on healthy options at a recent food distribution was evident.
After checking in and receiving a pre-packed bag of staple items, neighbors were presented with a diverse array of fresh produce, from zucchini to apples and potatoes, catering to a range of dietary needs and preferences.
“We understand that there are some people that maybe have diabetes or high blood pressure or heart disease. So we want to make sure that part of the diet is nutritious and good for their health,” said Yaneisy.
Yaneisy highlighted the value of education in making healthy choices. Recipes for preparing the produce were readily available, and she noted that neighbors eagerly attended the nutrition education classes at the center.
“Many people might say, ‘Zucchini? What do I do with this?'” she said. “We want to make it easier. Here’s a recipe. It’s another way they can see we care.”
See how the partnership between Second Harvest Food Bank and St. Cloud Dream Center makes a difference for neighbors in Osceola County in the video below.
A neighbor named Carmen shared her concerns about eating healthy food would be out of reach because of the price. She’s grateful for the free healthy food she receives at the Dream Center.
“I have to stay healthy, and I have to keep my heart in check,” Carmen said.
Many of the neighbors who attended the food distribution were seniors living on fixed incomes. They shared how fluctuating grocery prices have made it challenging to manage their expenses. Other neighbors were seeking employment and needed a little help to get by.
The distribution Carmen visited was one that the Dream Center hosts specifically for seniors. The organization has another evening distribution time for families and others working during the day.
“Eggs! I can remember when they were $1.29, and that was a lot,” Trudy said. “Whatever we should get here, it’s usually a good size, and we share it because we can’t afford $15 or $10, $10 for two chicken breasts.”
Yaneisy said the partnership with Second Harvest is what makes this all possible.
“If we didn’t have the partnership in this economy and had to buy everything at the regular store, it would be almost impossible,” she said. “We have more access, so the neighbors have more access.”
