Merger with First Step Food Bank Will Create Third Branch in Central Florida
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the region’s largest hunger relief network, is set to expand into Marion County by merging with First Step Food Bank, Inc., which has served the community since 1992. Converting to branch operations not only strengthens the current infrastructure but expands marketing and fundraising support. This merging of the two organizations will lead to increased food availability, resulting in a reduction of the current food gap, which has grown throughout the county and nation over the past few years.
According to Feeding America, 47,350 people in Marion County experience food insecurity at some point during the year. Second Harvest’s new Marion branch – which will continue to operate out of First Step’s existing space at 4045 N.E. 36th Ave. in Ocala – will provide additional support for food-insecure residents, while increasing local revenue to fund hunger relief and prevention initiatives.
Furthermore, Second Harvest plans to make a variety of secondary hunger relief programs available to citizens of Marion County. Initiatives for hunger relief, such as Kids Cafe and the Summer Food Service Program, which have been successful in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Brevard counties, will be introduced over time.
… the merger would better meet the widespread, expanding food insecurity needs…”
“Our Board of Directors carefully examined the Second Harvest merger offer in conjunction with a Feeding America study recommending the same,” said Stewart Robinson, President at First Step Food Bank, Inc. “The Board unanimously agreed that the merger would better meet the widespread, expanding food insecurity needs in Marion County.”
Added Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest: “Our goal is to join the established network of local partners to assist in their efforts of providing solutions to hunger in Marion County. Not only will this new branch expand access to fresh, nutritious meals for our neighbors, it will continue to build on the many years of dedicated hunger relief work by First Step Food Bank.”
In addition to Mercy Drive and Mercy Kitchen warehouse spaces in Orlando, Second Harvest operates branches in Volusia and Brevard counties. To learn more about supporting Second Harvest’s hunger relief efforts, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.
