News Summary
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is organizing its first-ever ‘Hunger Never Sleeps’ event for Hunger Action Month this September. Volunteers are sought to help pack food boxes over a 24-hour period, supporting families facing food insecurity. Additionally, the organization encourages financial donations and nonperishable food items, highlighting the community’s essential role in addressing hunger issues. Volunteers can register through their website, and ongoing collaborations and support are crucial for the food bank’s mission.
Orlando, Florida – The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is calling on the community to engage in a vital mission during Hunger Action Month this September. The nonprofit is organizing its inaugural “Hunger Never Sleeps” event, a 24-hour food packing operation set for September 27, where volunteers will assemble food boxes destined for families facing food insecurity.
Volunteers are needed for six three-hour shifts throughout the day to help with the packing effort. Those interested in contributing can register on the food bank’s website. As food insecurity continues to impact many residents in Central Florida, the organization is also seeking monetary donations and nonperishable food items during the month, emphasizing the importance of community support in combating hunger.
Hunger Action Month is an annual initiative by Feeding America, aimed at raising awareness about hunger and encouraging communities to take action. To address the growing need, Second Harvest Food Bank has stated that it relies heavily on volunteers and donations to fulfill its mission.
Founded in 1983 by members of the Community of Christ Church, Second Harvest has significantly expanded its reach over the years. In its first year, it distributed enough food for 515,000 meals. Today, the organization provides 300,000 meals daily across seven counties, highlighting a massive increase in its operational capacity.
Utilizing 131,000 volunteer man hours annually, Second Harvest has developed programs that serve hospitals, schools, and community centers, aligning with its goal of addressing food insecurity holistically. The organization collaborates with over 800 nonprofit partners to distribute food effectively, with 80% of its meals coming from Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.
Recent developments include a successful merger with a smaller food bank in Marion County, resulting in a 70% boost in food distribution capacity. Additionally, the expansion of the Melbourne facility from 8,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet has enhanced distribution efficiency, significantly benefiting Brevard County residents.
Second Harvest’s commitment to nutritional offerings is demonstrated through its “Food is Medicine” initiative, which tailors healthy meals to individuals with specific dietary needs and provides resources for recently discharged hospital patients. This program is supported by two dieticians who contribute to community cooking classes, promoting healthy eating habits among participants.
The organization’s school partnership program has grown impressively, expanding from 30 to over 70 schools. This program now enables families to access food for all household members, rather than just children, which is a critical step in addressing family hunger.
Second Harvest also runs a free culinary training program, having successfully graduated 500 students with a remarkable 90% job placement rate. This program not only provides skills to participants but also contributes to the local economy by enhancing employment opportunities.
However, Second Harvest has faced challenges due to recent federal cuts in food equity programs, which have led to significant funding losses. The organization recently reported a loss of 28 tractor-trailer loads of food, equating to over 1 million pounds, due to the funding cuts from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Looking ahead, it estimates a potential loss of 10-15 million pounds of food distributed in the upcoming year if these conditions persist.
The organization stresses the need for ongoing community collaboration to effectively tackle hunger challenges. Financial donations are especially crucial, with 96% of all contributions going directly to feeding Central Florida residents. For every $10 donated, Second Harvest can provide 40 meals, reinforcing the significant impact of community support.
Ways to contribute include organizing food and fundraising drives, volunteering at events, and taking part in monthly “Food For Thought” tours at the Orlando distribution center. By participating, individuals can play a direct role in alleviating hunger in their communities and help Second Harvest continue its vital work.
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
