Every day, one in eight Central Florida neighbors—and one in six kids—faces hunger. Amy is one of them. Becoming a mother is a significant milestone for Amy. She stepped away from her career as a professional chef to stay at home and raise her son. When her boyfriend lost his job, Amy sought ways to stretch their budget without compromising nutrition. She discovered a food … [Read more...] about Helping Families Thrive
Pantries
Aetna Stocks 65 School Pantries for 2023-2024 Academic Year
Today, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida announced the expansion of its School Partnerships Program through a $115,150 grant provided by Aetna, a CVS health company. The funding will help elementary, middle, high school and post-secondary institutions stock their markets and emergency pantries with nonperishable food items throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. … [Read more...] about Aetna Stocks 65 School Pantries for 2023-2024 Academic Year
Naseeka’s Story of Hope & Courage
“When I think of food insecurity on college campuses, it’s heartbreaking,” explains Naseeka Dixon, manager at the Knights Helping Knights Pantry at UCF. “Food is something everyone needs, and sometimes we all need a little help.” Naseeka knows what it’s like to ask for help. When her sister enrolled in college, it put even more stress on her mother to support both of them … [Read more...] about Naseeka’s Story of Hope & Courage
Shelby’s Story of Hope & Courage
As a single mother caring for three kids and a niece, Shelby considers herself a whiz at managing the household budget. She frequents thrift stores when the kids need new clothes, matches coupons with grocery store flyers and finds recipes to use up leftovers so that nothing goes to waste. “I don’t want people to think I don’t care or can’t care for my kids,” she explains. … [Read more...] about Shelby’s Story of Hope & Courage
Tikaya’s Story of Hope & Courage
If you’d met Tikaya two years ago, you would say she was on the right track. She graduated from Jones High School, earned an associate’s degree and completed cosmetology training. She worked as a stylist for several years and began teaching at a local college. Tikaya and her three children were happy, healthy and helpful. “My passion was always helping people, either in … [Read more...] about Tikaya’s Story of Hope & Courage
