Dear Valued Partner, 

During our current reality of greatly heightened need for food assistance across the community, Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) continues to seek ways to help your program reach as many people with food assistance as possible. We see the incredible effort that your organization and so many others are putting forth to help our neighbors every day. Thank you! For our part, we continue to source more donated food, purchased food, and government commodities than ever before.     

Both your organization and ours have been called upon to perform our missions at significantly higher levels during these historic times. We are aware of the many challenges and burdens that our partners are facing across all six of the counties we serve.  

In an effort to temporarily ease the financial strain on our partners during COVID-19 relief efforts, we would like to announce the following: Beginning July 6, 2020, your organization will not pay fees for the products that you access at SHFB.* Thanks to the generosity of a caring community, SHFB will be using funds contributed by individuals, corporations, and foundations to service the payment of your account balance each month through the end of the year. Your organization will resume responsibility to pay for certain items when our normal fee structure is restored on January 1, 2021.  

It is important to note that we do not anticipate any shortages or lack of food availability during these months. We expect large amounts of government commodities, purchased food, and donated food to continue to flow. There will be enough resources to go around for all our partners, in all six counties. There is no reason to change your current pattern of shopping for your clients.   

If you have any questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the next page. If you still have questions, please contact your SHFB Agency Relations representative.   

We are grateful for your service. Be well, and stay safe.

Dave Krepcho
President & CEO

*Our ability to cover the fees for your organization will be based on the average amount per month that you have spent at SHFB over the past three months.   This opportunity is also subject to inventory availability, and limits on product volume. Does not apply to fees incurred for service before July 6, 2020.  Orders must be placed at least 72 hours ahead of shopping appointment.

If your organization is interested in being considered, please contact Santos Maldonado at SMaldonado@FeedHopeNow.org.

Dear Partner Agencies

It is with great excitement that we announce registration is open for Second Harvest Food Bank’s 5^th Annual Partner Agency Conference!

The conference is returning to Calvary Orlando on Friday, March 20, 2020.

Please see the attached invitation and registration link: https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=RSVP_agency

Be sure to RSVP by February 14^th. Registration is limited to 2 attendees per agency. Please Register by using the link above.

We strive to move into 2020 together with a clear vision and direction to fight hunger and feed hope in Central Florida. Please join us for the exciting opportunity to connect with your fellow hunger fighting partners, learn more about the needs and resources in our community, and to commit to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

We look forward to connecting with you on March 20^th!

Thank you for all that you do!

     This Thanksgiving season cozy up to the sweet comfort of winter squash. This family of nutrient packed vegetables include pumpkin, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, and butternut squash. These fall favorites provide numerous health benefits that may help reduce various types of illness such as heart and respiratory disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. Benefits are also found in the red, orange, and yellow pigment of the skin where high levels of alpha- carotene and beta- carotene convert to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for vision health and can help boost immune function. Winter squash is also packed with fiber which can help keep blood sugar levels stable.

The best part is that most winter squash varieties are naturally sweet which makes it a great food for kids to try. You can bake, broil, or steam the vegetable to vary its texture. The healthiest way to prepare winter squash is to peel the vegetable, remove the seeds, cut the squash into cubes, and then steam them for about seven minutes. If you don’t want to peel the vegetable, you can cut it in half and poke the meat of the vegetable with a fork. Then throw it in the oven and bake until tender. For a power packed holiday treat, try roasting butternut squash with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Avey, Tori. “Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash – Vegan Recipe.” Tori Avey, 18 Nov. 2019, https://toriavey.com/toris-kitchen/maple-cinnamon-roasted-butternut-squash/.

Collins, Karen. “The Best Winter Foods for Kids.” EatRight, 13 Dec. 2018, https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/cooking-tips-and-trends/best-winter-foods-for-kids.

“Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin A.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/#h7.

Swartzendruber, Kris. “Enjoy the Taste and Health Benefits of Winter Squash.” MSU Extension, Michigan State University Extension, 2 Oct. 2018, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/enjoy_the_taste_and_health_benefits_of_winter_squash.