It's officially summer. While school is in recess, there's one thing that doesn't take a summer break: hunger. When school lets out for summer, so do the nutritious meals many kids rely on. Without free and reduced-priced breakfasts and lunches in the school cafeteria, a harsh reality sets in for many Central Florida families. The additional cost of groceries in the summer … [Read more...] about Hunger doesn’t take a summer break
Mercy Kitchen
Every Voice Matters at Second Harvest
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
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!