Without our volunteers, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida would be unable to prepare thousands of meals for distribution each day. That’s why this #ThankfulThursday was extra special for our volunteers and staff.
Vice President Joe Biden, Congresswoman Val Demings and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings joined in a virtual thank-a-thon to share their appreciation and gratitude for the volunteers, donors and supporters who are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. Now. More than ever.
Congresswoman Demings and Mayor Demings were able to learn about the new programs and partnerships we’ve created during the pandemic to address the unmet needs in Central Florida.
Dave Krepcho, Second Harvest Food Bank President/CEO, spoke with Vice President Biden to address the growing need for food assistance, and to advocate for increased funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and for the 15% increase in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Vice President Biden was thankful for all the work we’re doing, but also asked what we’re hearing from people in need and how school closures have impacted our food distribution. We’re grateful that our partnership with local school systems have resulted in multiple days of breakfast and lunch being given to those children who would otherwise receive a free or reduced school breakfast or lunch.
Afterwards, Congresswoman Demings and Mayor Demings welcomed the Vice President to the Food Bank and thanked our volunteers, one-by-one, for their commitment to helping Second Harvest fight hunger.
Biden took his time to greet and thank volunteers and staff that were there, asking a few questions along the way. One staff member, when asked what her biggest concern was, expressed her deep concern for individuals who are falling through the cracks.
Congresswoman and Mayor thanked each volunteer individually too, who were volunteering at the food bank constructing COVID-19 relief boxes. Second Harvest Food Bank has reduced the number of volunteers to abide by CDC social distancing efforts and all volunteers are required to wear masks while there.
The visit was finished with a private exchange between the Vice President, the Congresswoman, Mayor and our CEO. Biden asked to be invited to tour Second Harvest Food Bank once social distancing and traveling were relaxed.
