You are part of the solution that creates hope and stability for our neighbors. 1 in 8 Central Floridians experiences hunger due to rising rent, increasing prices and unexpected, emergent expenses that are more than their financial situation can withstand.
The good news is that your support makes it possible for kids, families and seniors to have food on the table and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Here are some of the amazing accomplishments made possible amid uncertainty this past year.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida continues to operate at a heightened, sustained level. Last year, 81 million meals made it into the hands of kids, families and seniors across seven Central Florida counties. Each day, hundreds of our Central Florida neighbors search the Food Finder to locate a local nonprofit feeding partner where they can pick up fresh and nonperishable foods to feed themselves and their families.
Volunteers and corporate groups generously provided the funding and helping hands to prepare 111,162 weekend Kids Packs for local elementary school students at risk of going to bed hungry. Students can take packs home on Friday afternoons. Each pack contains kid-friendly meal and snack items such as cereal, shelf-stable milk, fruit cups, granola bars and more.
Each summer, Second Harvest Food Bank’s Mercy Kitchen goes into overdrive. With thousands of local kids relying on the free and reduced lunch program during the school year, replacing those meals in the summer is essential. Volunteers harness their inner lunch lady to help package meals for kids to receive at daycares, summer camps, libraries and parks and recreation sites. Kids and teens receive meals and snacks free of charge all summer long. Last year the Summer Food Service program delivered 149,473 summer meals.
Mobile food distributions are a unique and efficient approach to distributing thousands of meals in a few short hours. Your support made it possible to load 731 semi-trucks with fresh produce, meat, dairy products, bread and nonperishable foods and deliver it to areas with heightened food insecurity this past year. These distribution events have been a lifesaver for kids, families and seniors.
Some of the most incredible people you’ll ever meet are food bank volunteers! These caring individuals and groups help sort food donations, prepare meals at Mercy Kitchen, pack disaster relief boxes, rescue food from food shows, show up early and stay late for special events, and so much more. Each of the 28,289 volunteers last year made a positive difference for our neighbor facing hunger, and we thank you.
Second Harvest Food Bank’s Bring Hope Home program delivers nutritious food to the homes of homebound individuals, seniors, veterans, individuals with a disability and neighbors with transportation barriers. With the help of external delivery partners and volunteer drivers, 38,367 food deliveries arrived safely and in a contact-free manner.
Thank you for fighting hunger, feeding hope and helping our neighbors thrive.
