Vangie Booth has been part of the Benefits Connection team since 2008 and witnessed how the program has evolved to meet the community's needs. She helped steer the program through the pandemic, pivoting from an in-person model to over the phone and reintroducing the program to the community. Here are her reflections on 15 years of fighting hunger through the Benefits Connection … [Read more...] about Benefits Connection: Reflecting on 15 Years of Helping Neighbors Put Food on the Table
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Second Harvest’s Benefits Connection Program Marks 15 Years of Community Impact
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida launched its Benefits Connection Program at the peak of the Great Recession. Connecting people to food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was a new approach for the Food Bank. Still, with thousands of workers unemployed, it was a vital resource to help keep food on the … [Read more...] about Second Harvest’s Benefits Connection Program Marks 15 Years of Community Impact
This Summer, Storm Prep Is Critical for Florida’s Food Banks
For most people, “storm preparedness” means gathering bottled water and essentials, topping off the gas tank, and keeping one eye on the news. But what does it mean for the local food bank? As Central Florida’s emergency food supply, Second Harvest Food Bank starts working on its storm prep checklist well in advance. When the new year begins, we’ve already begun stocking up … [Read more...] about This Summer, Storm Prep Is Critical for Florida’s Food Banks
Fresh produce for kids and families
Sticker shock and stagnating high prices limit the purchasing power of hardworking families in Central Florida. As shoppers opt for less expensive and less nutritious food options to keep their plates and bellies full, it has short and long-term effects on health and well-being. “It’s hard right now,” explained Kelli at a Second Harvest School Market event just before school … [Read more...] about Fresh produce for kids and families
You are serving up smiles this summer
Classic summer activities center around food, like grilling hamburgers at a family barbeque, roasting s’mores at summer camp, or the watermelon eating contest at Fourth of July celebrations. However, for one in seven of your Central Florida neighbors, summer activities are riddled with anxiety, worry and gut-wrenching financial decisions, especially at the grocery store. For … [Read more...] about You are serving up smiles this summer
