When it comes to creating and updating its programming and food distribution, Second Harvest considers the voices, needs, and input of neighbors, even the littlest ones. Kids Cafes provide prepared meals to kids enrolled in Central Florida Head Start programs, schools and after-school programs. It’s important to the food bank staff running the programs to receive feedback on … [Read more...] about Every Voice Matters at Second Harvest
Mercy Kitchen
Because of Volunteers, Many Central Florida Kids Will Eat Today
Sharon made the decision of where she wanted to volunteer because the writing was literally on the wall. The first time she walked into Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Mercy Kitchen and saw, “Because of you, a child will eat today,” painted on the wall, she knew it was where she belonged. “This is where I need to be,” said Sharon, now an almost-daily … [Read more...] about Because of Volunteers, Many Central Florida Kids Will Eat Today
Project VEGGIE Aims to Curb Picky Eating
Getting kids to eat vegetables can be challenging, but increasing their exposure to fresh produce may help. A health education and behavior professor from the University of Florida has launched a research project to find out. Project VEGGIE (Vegetable Eating Gets Going with Increased Exposure) is a 12-week pilot program that brings together Second Harvest Food Bank of … [Read more...] about Project VEGGIE Aims to Curb Picky Eating
Helping your neighbors thrive — you’re part of it!
I wish you could hear from each child, senior, and family you’ve helped this year. They would tell you how grateful they are for what you’ve done. The face of hunger continues to evolve across the counties we serve. A family or individual can be fine one day — but hard times can begin the very next with an unexpected job loss, rent increase, or a health diagnosis. On top of … [Read more...] about Helping your neighbors thrive — you’re part of it!
Giving Back After Retirement
“As one person, I feel like the one thing I can do something about is food,” said Eric Veale, a regular volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. After his retirement in March of 2024 from the Central Florida Expressway Authority, Eric finds it to be a valuable and rewarding use of time to volunteer at Second Harvest’s Mercy Kitchen every Tuesday. He said … [Read more...] about Giving Back After Retirement
