News Summary
Montverde Academy students joined 2,500 volunteers in the Light Orlando annual Hunger Project, packing over one million meals for Central Florida families in need. This collaborative effort, organized by the school’s Upper School, not only addressed food insecurity but also fostered team-building among students. The meals were distributed to local pantries, showcasing the power of community service and the importance of helping others, as highlighted by participants reflecting on their meaningful experiences.
Montverde, Florida – Montverde Academy Students Pack Over One Million Meals for Central Florida Families in Need
On Saturday, August 23, 50 students from Montverde Academy’s Upper School joined over 2,500 volunteers in the Light Orlando annual Hunger Project, successfully packing 1,023,675 protein-rich, vegan meals for families facing food insecurity across Central Florida. The event aimed to tackle hunger in the region and showed the significant impact that community collaboration can have.
Students, including members of the junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams led by Coach Jola Graham, participated in what was more than just a philanthropic effort; it was also a strong team-building experience. The school organized transportation to the event, departing at 7:30 am, ensuring that the participants arrived energized and ready to make a difference.
The atmosphere at the event was lively, energized by music from a live DJ, and focused on the collective goal of aiding local families in need. The meals packed were later distributed to 65 local pantries, with several of these located in Lake County. The initiative highlighted the ongoing struggle against hunger in the area and further emphasized the importance of community outreach.
Montverde Academy students expressed pride in their involvement, with many sharing smiles as they worked together throughout the day. The experience provided them with the chance to bond with teammates and engage in meaningful service. Participants like sophomore Gabi Carvalho reflected on how the initiative allowed them to support the community while also strengthening friendships within the sports teams. Senior Petar Ratkovic noted the personal significance of the experience, recognizing the deeper appreciation for food that emerged from participating in the project.
This year’s Hunger Project aligns with broader community service efforts and echoes the sentiment shared by civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized the importance of helping others. The success of the event highlights not only the need within Central Florida but also the readiness of local students to respond to that need.
For those inspired by the event and looking for further service opportunities, students can explore initiatives on HelperHelper.com, a resource designed to help individuals track and discover various volunteer projects. This event not only provided immediate assistance to families but also instilled a sense of duty and community responsibility in the youth involved.
In summary, the Light Orlando Hunger Project exemplifies how collective efforts by young community members can lead to monumental achievements in combating food insecurity, reminding everyone of the power of teamwork and dedication in making a difference in people’s lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida Joins SNAP Initiative to Promote Healthier Eating
Florida Faces Rising Food Assistance Demands Amid Inflation
Taste! Central Florida to Combat Child Hunger
US Humanitarian Aid Efforts Stall Amid Political Uncertainty
The Muni Bar Opens in Logan Circle This January
Tallahassee Leaders Unite to Combat Childhood Poverty as Rates Decline
Additional Resources
- SL Tablet: Montverde Academy Students Fight Hunger
- Wikipedia: Hunger in the United States
- SL Tablet: Lake Minneola High School Golf Tournament Fundraiser
- Google Search: Community Service
- SL Tablet: MLK Day of Service by MVA Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- SL Tablet: Montverde Academy Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announcement
- Google News: Montverde Academy

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.