What a difference a year makes.

Last year, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida expanded its hunger relief efforts into Marion County. It was an instant infusion of support for local food pantries and neighbors facing hunger.

WESH 2 News recently met with pantry staff, volunteers and recipients to share how the changes are making a difference.

*WESH 2 shares how Second Harvest Food Bank supports food pantries and neighbors in Marion County.*

“The quantity of food that we were able to give out now is unbelievable because Second Harvest and we’re also offering more nutritional food, beautiful apples, the squash, everything that was in season was amazing this year,” says Debbie, operations manager at Hope Lutheran Church – Lake Weir Campus Food Pantry.

Volunteers pack grocery bags loaded with staples like cracks, side dishes, applesauce, soups and spaghetti sauce each week. These nonperishable items are paired with fresh, healthy groceries, produce and meat.

“The need continues to be great,” says Pastor Bruce Dillman of Hope Lutheran Church. The pantry helps anyone with food, from single parents to seniors. Some food recipients are between jobs and need a boost to help get them through a rough patch. Last week, the pantry provided food to more than 160 households, including nearly 600 individuals.

Second Harvest Food Bank partners with more than 625 feeding partners across seven counties, including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Thanks to your support, this robust network distributes enough food for 300,000 meals a day.