One woman is outrunning hunger – and you can help!

Second Harvest runner with Goofy at Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon race.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is the celebrated charity during the Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by AfterShokz. During the three races that weekend, a team of runners help create awareness of the food bank and raise funds to support the growth of its mission. For one runner, that mission is personal.

“Outrunning hunger is a big challenge in the world and it starts right around each of us,” writes Emmanuelle Briot.

“I was born in France. My family was blessed to receive help from the local food bank during our time of need. I still remember how the box of food supplies was like a Christmas gift any time of the year we would receive it! As a kid, everything that happened was not necessarily connected the way I understood it until later in life. The downward spiral of losing a job, sudden illness, missing child support payments, piling of bills, and an overwhelming financial situation can pretty quickly raise stress levels in raising a family.

“As an adult, I chose to always support and participate in food drive collections. When I relocated to Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida was immediately on my radar as an incredible organization that helps to provide food and meals to families in need. One day I was volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank’s main distribution center to sort donations when I noticed a sign that said, “Not all heroes wear capes, some wear running shoes.” I knew then that I had to show up as an amateur runner.

“My running passion did not start until I moved to Florida but that I have since lovingly embraced it. I started by participating in a local 5K where canned foods were collected for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. That experience introduced me to other runners. One training run after another, I started to increase mileage. A 5k distance became my warm-up run. A half marathon was obviously the next step (pun intended).

“What would be better than running that distance and raising funds and awareness for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida? Fast forward to now and commitments made, I realize that it will mean a 2 a.m. wake-up alarm the day of the race, but totally worth it. This year will be my third year participating with a goal to raise over $1250 which will translate to 5,000 meals for families in need. It’s important for me to give back because these are families who are working hard to make ends meet, but at the end of the day may have to make tough decisions like putting food on the table, or buying medication for a child when they get sick. I don’t feel anyone should have to have to make a decision like that.”

Interested in joining Team Second Harvest? Runners are needed for the 5k, 10k and half-marathon races. You can help fight hunger and feed hope on behalf of our neighbors facing hunger with every stride.