#1 Volunteer Story
While Hurricane Michael did not directly impact Central Florida, you responded by volunteering to build relief boxes, organizing food drives and donating funds to support disaster relief efforts. Relive 2018’s disaster relief preparation and response. Throughout the year volunteers lent a helping hand to prepare meals, pack family boxes, sort donated food and assemble weekend backpacks for kids, among other activities. Thank you for donating over 120,000 hours of service to your neighbors in need.
#1 Food Distribution Story
A gallon of milk, a package of chicken or carton of eggs may seem like a small errand to pick up on your way home, but for families in need, these fresh foods can be a luxury. By helping our feeding partners acquire equipment such as freezers, refrigerators and shelving, they are able to efficiently store and distribute more healthy food to our neighbors in need. 52% of the food distributed through Second Harvest’s network of feeding partners is fresh, thanks to you.
#1 Culinary Training Program Story
Within a year of completing Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program, Soline received her first income tax return. She felt a tug at her heart. Instead of scheduling a spa day or splurging on a new TV, Soline donated $150 back to the program to help other students train for a new, sustainable career. Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters like you and Soline, 71 new graduates are now working in the local food industry.
#1 Childhood Hunger Story
Regardless of the season or holiday, hunger never takes a break. Each summer, Second Harvest prepares and delivers healthy meals to kids to ensure they have continued access to the nutritious meals they need. Thanks to your support in 2018, meals were provided at 118 locations across 6 counties, including a milestone of one million meals since the program’s inception.
#1 Innovative Story
Three years ago, Second Harvest embarked on a culinary journey to create sustainability for the Culinary Training Program. That effort led to the launch of A Spoon Full of Hope, a signature food product line that includes soup, honey, cookies and healthy lunches. Each item purchased helps change the lives of culinary students.
For more stories of hope and courage in 2019, be sure to follow Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida on social media or sign up for one (or more) of our email newsletters.