ORLANDO, Fla. – If you are in need of food assistance, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida provides a number of resources for residents.
According to the nonprofit organization, one in eight people in Central Florida face food insecurity issues – and since the pandemic, the number of people they help has nearly doubled. Officials at the organization said that before the pandemic, they distributed enough food for about 150,000 meals a day. Now, that number is 300,000 – the same as at the height of COVID.
Second Harvest said they partner with 750 feeding partner organizations and feeding programs in their seven-county service area that includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
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- Their website has a “Food Finder” search feature that will show all of the food providers across Central Florida.
- Another tool they offer is offering assistance with SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps. You can apply for benefits online here or find face-to-face application help in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties by clicking here.
- A community resource flyer with contact information for adults and families for a number of organizations such as the United Way, Elder Helpline, Emergency Housing and Shelters, Veteran’s Support Services, Mental Health, Disability Services, Teen Hotline, etc.
- The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program is a 16-week continuing education opportunity for adults facing barriers to employment with pursuing a full-time sustainable career in the food industry. Students attend classes Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Second Harvest.
There are several ways to help the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to continue to do the work that they do in the community.
You can also volunteer with the organization or donate by clicking here.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below: