WEATHER ALERT
What a government shutdown could mean for Central Floridians needing food assistance
Read full article: What a government shutdown could mean for Central Floridians needing food assistanceA government shutdown could impact people in our community who may need a helping hand when it comes to getting food on the table.
Second Harvest Food Bank works to feed families ahead of winter break
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank works to feed families ahead of winter breakSecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida along with Orange County Public Schools is hoping to feed thousands of families ahead of the school district's winter break.
Tackling food insecurity in Central Florida
Read full article: Tackling food insecurity in Central FloridaDawn Koffarnus, chief of Health Systems and financial officer for Second Harvest Food Bank, stopped in Tuesday on Breakfast With Bridgett to talk about Giving Tuesday and the agency’s Health And Hunger program.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida changes lives through culinary training
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida changes lives through culinary trainingOne of the biggest obstacles to landing a job or changing careers for many adults is the lack of experience. But a unique culinary program at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is making a difference.
Need help now after Hurricane Milton? Here’s where to go
Read full article: Need help now after Hurricane Milton? Here’s where to goAs Florida and FEMA get organized to help after Hurricane Milton, community groups and nonprofits are already fanning out, trying to help people who need everything from food, to cooling and comfort stations to help clearing debris.
Plate Above Catering now offering monthly pop-up café in Central Florida. Here’s how to give it a try
Read full article: Plate Above Catering now offering monthly pop-up café in Central Florida. Here’s how to give it a tryPlate Above Catering, which helps to fund Second Harvest Food Bank, is now offering a pop-up lunch café once a month.
Central Florida organizations step up to help communities after Hurricane Helene
Read full article: Central Florida organizations step up to help communities after Hurricane HeleneAs communities across Florida begin recovering from Hurricane Helene, organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and the American Red Cross are mobilizing to provide immediate assistance to those in need.
Seminole County approves $350K to Second Harvest Food Bank to help residents
Read full article: Seminole County approves $350K to Second Harvest Food Bank to help residentsThe Board of County Commissioners in Seminole County signed off thousands of dollars in additional funding to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Florida driver discusses his work helping Second Harvest Food Bank
Read full article: Florida driver discusses his work helping Second Harvest Food BankThere’s no shortage of stories over the last few years about the people who gather and give away food to those in need across Central Florida. But what about the drivers?
Second Harvest Food Bank hopes new tech will mean more food for Central Floridians
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank hopes new tech will mean more food for Central FloridiansThe Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is working hard to help make ends meet for thousands of people, and they’re hoping a big check will go a long way.
Facing food insecurity in Central Florida? Here’s where to find Second Harvest food bank partners
Read full article: Facing food insecurity in Central Florida? Here’s where to find Second Harvest food bank partnersIf you are in need of food assistance, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida provides a number of resources for residents.
Second Harvest Food Bank had to buy food to help hungry Central Floridians. Now they’re asking the state for help
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank had to buy food to help hungry Central Floridians. Now they’re asking the state for helpSecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida are asking Florida lawmakers to their Food Cost Mitigation Program.
‘The need is really still huge:’ Second Harvest preps to help those in need for holiday season
Read full article: ‘The need is really still huge:’ Second Harvest preps to help those in need for holiday seasonAs we near the holiday season, organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and their partner agencies are preparing to feed people for Thanksgiving.
Central Florida food banks prepare for potential federal government shutdown
Read full article: Central Florida food banks prepare for potential federal government shutdownWith the possibility of a government shutdown happening, local non-profits have been preparing for an additional strain from families who receive food support through federal programs.
Wawa, Second Harvest Food Bank team up to get results for schools
Read full article: Wawa, Second Harvest Food Bank team up to get results for schoolsVolunteers with the Wawa Foundation were out of the office and instead were working hard to build more than a dozen metal carts at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Second Harvest calls for more help to fight food insecurity in Farm Bill
Read full article: Second Harvest calls for more help to fight food insecurity in Farm BillAhead of the 2023 U.S. Farm Bill vote, congressional leaders and local organizations came together for a roundtable to discuss the importance of the bill’s passing.
Food insecurity sees ‘uptick’ in Central Florida; organizations working to feed thousands
Read full article: Food insecurity sees ‘uptick’ in Central Florida; organizations working to feed thousandsAfter the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Florida organizations said people are still having a hard time getting back on their feet for a number of reasons.
New pilot food program helps Central Florida patients with chronic kidney disease
Read full article: New pilot food program helps Central Florida patients with chronic kidney diseaseBroccoli cauliflower and curry lentil soup were just some of the foods that were packaged on Thursday at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Teen voiceover actors speak out to help fight food insecurity in Orlando
Read full article: Teen voiceover actors speak out to help fight food insecurity in OrlandoCassie and Sabrina Glow are Glow Girls Kid Voiceovers. You may have heard them in commercials, animated movies or even talking toys. But they’re also using their voices to help stamp out food insecurity.
Here’s why Second Harvest food distribution is back to levels seen at height of COVID pandemic
Read full article: Here’s why Second Harvest food distribution is back to levels seen at height of COVID pandemicJanuary's inflation report came in higher than economists predicted and higher than the previous month's report.
Central Florida families rely on food drives as they feel effects of inflation
Read full article: Central Florida families rely on food drives as they feel effects of inflationThe Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, along with charity organization Serenity’s Grace, are getting results for families who are struggling to put food on the table.
‘This helps me a lot:’ 2,500 families receive meals during Orange County schools winter break
Read full article: ‘This helps me a lot:’ 2,500 families receive meals during Orange County schools winter breakOrange County Public Schools and Second Harvest Food Bank teamed up Saturday to make sure students and their families would have food during the two-week winter break.
More need, supply chain issues plague Second Harvest’s efforts to help the needy
Read full article: More need, supply chain issues plague Second Harvest’s efforts to help the needySecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida said it has seen a double-digit percentage increase in the number of people searching for food banks in our area.
‘It has to happen today:’ Orlando woman dedicates retirement to Second Harvest Food Bank
Read full article: ‘It has to happen today:’ Orlando woman dedicates retirement to Second Harvest Food BankEver since Wendy Wing found out about Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, she said it's been rewarding to get results in her community.
Seminole County grants $850K to Second Harvest Food Bank to help families
Read full article: Seminole County grants $850K to Second Harvest Food Bank to help familiesFood will be distributed to nearly 50 food pantries across Seminole County, including the pantry at East Coast Believers Church in Oviedo.
🔓‘Don’t give up:’ Central Florida food bank also provides free culinary program
Read full article: 🔓‘Don’t give up:’ Central Florida food bank also provides free culinary programSecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida not only provides meals for families facing financial struggles, but offers a free culinary training program to help adults find work.
Food distribution event happening in Daytona Beach as coronavirus-related need remains high
Read full article: Food distribution event happening in Daytona Beach as coronavirus-related need remains highThis Friday, Second Harvest Food Bank is teaming up with Daytona Beach Police, the Dream Center and other local organizations to distribute food to hundreds in need.
Mercy Kitchen to produce up to 50,000 meals for Central Florida families in need
Read full article: Mercy Kitchen to produce up to 50,000 meals for Central Florida families in needExecutives with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the nonprofit running the production kitchen, says they’re going to use the facility to help more families in need. At the height of the pandemic, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida distributed about 300,000 meals a day through its other facilities. Orange County delegated $8M of its CARES Act funding to Second Harvest Food Bank. It wasn’t a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new space, but an unboxing of the different packages Second Harvest Food Bank provides to children and families. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a nonprofit organization.
Guinness donates to Orlando’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Read full article: Guinness donates to Orlando’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Central FloridaOne of the organizations selected was Orlando’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Officials baked and donated “brewers bread” to an area food bank when food scarcity concerns began to rise. “We are so grateful to Guinness for their incredibly generous donation to feed those who are facing hunger in Central Florida. Their support locally will provide over 200,000 meals to help children, families, seniors put food on their table in the coming weeks,” a Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida spokesperson said. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has a number of ways you can help, including making a financial donation, volunteering or organizing a food and fun drive.
New refrigerated truck delivers hundreds of meals to Seminole County families in need
Read full article: New refrigerated truck delivers hundreds of meals to Seminole County families in needALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida handed out hundreds of pounds of food in Altamonte Springs on Wednesday by using a brand-new refrigerated truck donated by Darden Restaurants. The truck was donated in January and on Wednesday, it made its first delivery. [WATCH: Darden Restaurants donates mobile pantry to Second Harvest Food Bank]Cars lined up as early as 6 a.m. outside the Apostolic Church of Jesus. Second Harvest Food Bank handed out 96 million meals throughout Central Florida within the last year. Works said the new truck will help them get even more food out to the community.
Darden Restaurants donates mobile pantry to Second Harvest food bank
Read full article: Darden Restaurants donates mobile pantry to Second Harvest food bankORLANDO, Fla. – Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida was one of five food banks across the country to receive a new mobile food pantry from Darden Restaurants. Officials with Second Harvest and Darden unveiled the new refrigerated box truck on Wednesday. The other food banks that also received a mobile food pantry are Feeding the Valley Food Bank in Midland, Georgia, Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana in Shreveport, Louisiana, Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis, Tennessee and San Antonio Food Bank in San Antonio, Texas. Krepcho said Second Harvest will use the mobile food pantry to target areas with high levels of food insecurity, including communities of color. Click here if you would like to donate to Second Harvest.
‘I’ll be glad to eat food tonight:’ Hundreds of families receive free meals at Apopka Farm Share food giveaway
Read full article: ‘I’ll be glad to eat food tonight:’ Hundreds of families receive free meals at Apopka Farm Share food giveawayAPOPKA, Fla. – Hundreds of families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic lined up at Apopka High School Saturday morning to receive free meals. “A blessing, a blessing, a blessing. I’ll be glad to eat food tonight and sit at the table with my neighbors and have a good meal,” Garrison said. State Senator Randolph Bracy and Apopka High School’s PTSA teamed up with Farm Share to hold the event. Tre Wade, Apopka High School’s PTSA president, said the community is hurting.
Second Harvest to replace stolen meat at DeLand church food pantry
Read full article: Second Harvest to replace stolen meat at DeLand church food pantryThe church purchases the food from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and hosts distribution events. People who are furloughed and laid off, that’s on top of people that needed help before the pandemic,” chief development officer of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Greg Higgerson said. After hearing about the burglary in DeLand, Second Harvest Food Bank is getting results, replacing more than 2,000 pounds of meat that was stolen or damaged. They said monetary donations are best because they can buy food in bulk from Second Harvest Food Bank at discounted prices. To donate, call the church at 386-736-7100 or call Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida at 407-295-1066.
$500 worth of meat, steaks stolen from food pantry at DeLand church
Read full article: $500 worth of meat, steaks stolen from food pantry at DeLand churchFive-hundred dollars worth of food was stolen from the DeLand Open Bible Church Ministry Center, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. DeLAND, Fla. – Meat and steaks valued at $500 were stolen from the food pantry at DeLand Open Bible Church Ministry Center, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said someone broke into the church’s food pantry on Spring Garden Avenue last week. Deputies said the burglar or burglars went through the pantry and tossed food on the floor and stole steaks and other various meats from the refrigerators. Deputies said anyone interested in donating to the church or the Second Harvest Food Bank can call the church at 386-736-7100 or the food bank at 407-295-1066.
35,000 meals packed for kids in need to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Read full article: 35,000 meals packed for kids in need to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Hundreds of boxes were packed with food and rolled out to help feed kids in Central Florida. Friday’s packing and distribution event is part of Orange County’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pre-day of service event with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. King was all about service to man kind so this is what this initiative is doing,” said Demings. Volunteers packed 35,000 meals that will be distributed throughout Central Florida to kids who are getting assistance through the Head Start program. With CARES ACT funding, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has been able to expand its outreach and increase production to help families in need.
Second Harvest delivers millions of meals during pandemic while questions over funding loom
Read full article: Second Harvest delivers millions of meals during pandemic while questions over funding loomFood goes out as quickly as it comes in at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida warehouse. Greg Higgerson with Second Harvest said since the beginning of the pandemic, they have delivered thousands of meals a day to their partner food pantries. “We are optimistic that those people who can help will continue to help,” Higgerson said. Click here if you would like to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. Higgerson said the food bank can turn every $1 donated into four meals.
Here’s how the latest COVID-19 relief package could benefit nonprofit organizations
Read full article: Here’s how the latest COVID-19 relief package could benefit nonprofit organizationsORLANDO, Fla. – Monday night’s deal reached in Congress for a new stimulus package will be showing some strong support for small business owners and for nonprofit organizations. Funding from the new round of COVID-19 relief will go toward small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, nonprofits, and food assistance programs to help them recover from the pandemic. “In that package, there is some funding for food assistance programs, much like SNAP, which is formerly known as food stamps. Essentially, what happens in the bill is that they’ve allocated $13 billion for SNAP and other food assistance programs.”According to the organization, the current bill would provide them funding through the SNAP federal food assistance program. The much-anticipated federal relief funding also includes $15 billions to help independent movie theaters, cultural institutions and live venues like the Amway Center and Camping World Stadium, which weren’t included in the first round of COVID-19 relief funding.
Second Harvest Food Bank CEO fears food supply shortages next year amid pandemic
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank CEO fears food supply shortages next year amid pandemicFood insecurity has risen significantly around the country after the coronavirus pandemic caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs. Non-profits, like Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, have been doing what they can to help people in need of food, but the supply is beginning to stretch thin. “In the first quarter of 2021, we may face a massive food cliff in terms of supply,” Krepcho said. “We don’t know how long the community can continue to support us.”If you’d like to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, just head to FeedHopeNow.org. Click or tap here to see other interviews and discussions.
Second Harvest Food Bank gives away 1,000 turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank gives away 1,000 turkeys ahead of ThanksgivingThe Thanksgiving season has kicked off at Second Harvest Food Bank as 1,000 frozen turkeys were distributed throughout the community. “This comes just in time for Thanksgiving for a lot of families that are struggling in these economic times,” Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said. “It’s going to be a big, big help,” Higgerson said. As many as 40% of the people who need help with food right now are looking for food for the first time in their lives,” Higgerson said. In addition to the frozen turkeys, Second Harvest also donated other food items to help complete Thanksgiving meals.
Disney bloggers raise $61,000 to help feed cast members impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: Disney bloggers raise $61,000 to help feed cast members impacted by COVID-19 pandemicKISSIMMEE, Fla. – Hundreds of Disney cast members and families struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic received free meals on Friday after Disney bloggers raised thousands of dollars in a virtual food drive. The Disney Tourist Blog teamed up with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to hold the virtual fundraiser. The blog launched the virtual food drive to help thousands of cast members who were furloughed or laid off. Spence said donations for this virtual food drive came from all over the country. Click here to donate to the Disney Tourist Blog virtual food drive.
Helping others avoid hunger is common denominator for team at Second Harvest
Read full article: Helping others avoid hunger is common denominator for team at Second HarvestIn Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, provides food to more than 550 food banks across Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. In 1992, he decided to join a local food bank. Today, 28 years after starting his journey to help others, he’s the Director of Operations for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. No matter what it is.”Since the start of the pandemic, Second Harvest Food Bank has distributed about 41 million meals in almost 7 months. “I see a lot of folks out there where they’re in need and by me being in here I could do something to help,” Robledo, a father of two, said.
High demand for drive-thru food pantries continues
Read full article: High demand for drive-thru food pantries continuesORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In just the past few weeks, some big names in Central Florida announced major layoffs, which puts a new pinch on area drive-thru food pantries. Greg Higgerson serves as the chief development officer at Second Harvest Food Bank, where they’re still handing out around 300,000 meals a day, which is about double their pre-pandemic workload. [TRENDING: DeSantis to lift restaurant limits in Fla. | Here’s how to track your mail-in ballot | How can I tell difference between flu and COVID-19?] “It’s the line of cars that tell us the real story out there,” he said. “It will be felt for a long time after the disease is taken care of.”A Coronavirus Disaster Relief account has been set up at Second Harvest Food Bank and you can donate here.
Residents continue to rely on drive-thru food pantries months after being furloughed
Read full article: Residents continue to rely on drive-thru food pantries months after being furloughedOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a massive need for food assistance in Central Florida. It was a similar scene in Osceola County, where Advance Senior Center and Second Harvest Food Bank hosted a drive-thru food pantry. Since mid-March, Second Harvest Food Bank has provided 22 million meals and a new study shows they are seeing nearly 50% more people in Central Florida who are hungry. Erika Spence and Second Harvest Food Bank helped give out around 500 meals at the event. To donate to Second Harvest Food Bank, click here.
Florida Foodie: How Second Harvest Food Bank is preparing for hurricane season
Read full article: Florida Foodie: How Second Harvest Food Bank is preparing for hurricane seasonIt has forced millions of furloughs and lay offs across the state, forcing people onto unemployment, unable to make ends meet. Second Harvest Food Bank is working to help bridge the gap for those people. The food bank is seeing roughly double the amount the families it would normally help. News 6 spoke with Dave Krepcho, the president and CEO of Second Harvest, to talk about the need for food assistance here in Central Florida. He also talked about how the food bank is preparing for hurricane season amid this pandemic and how people can get involved in helping those in need.
Here’s how Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida helps the community
Read full article: Here’s how Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida helps the communityEver since the coronavirus pandemic began, the food supply has been a top priority and still very much is. The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is doing its part to help the community in a massive way. Every day, it’s pumping out 300,000 meals to families in need, doubling the pre-virus volume. Dave Krepcho, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida CEO, was News 6 anchor Justin Warmoth’s guest on “The Weekly On ClickOrlando.com.” Krepcho said he doesn’t expect the need for food to slow down anytime soon. He also said the pandemic has taught him important lessons and believes the food bank will be better for it down the road.
Orlando food bank launches delivery program for those who cant leave home due to COVID-19
Read full article: Orlando food bank launches delivery program for those who cant leave home due to COVID-19For an Orlando resident who fell ill to coronavirus after she lost her job, the struggle made her feel hopeless. Eventually, she said a state representative referred her to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. They were saying well I cant get out, I cant leave my home I need someone to bring food to me. 'Second Harvest Food Bank works with several agencies to make those home food deliveries. Wright-Jammeh recalled she sought help twice from the food bank but now gets help with government assistance.
Second Harvest Food Bank prepares to distribute more meals after donation from Disney
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank prepares to distribute more meals after donation from DisneyORLANDO, Fla. – The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida just received about 18,000 meals from Walt Disney World after the company closed its parks Sunday night. Chief development officer Greg Higgerson said the food bank is now seeing an increase of need because of the recent shutdowns across Central Florida. Higgerson said local nonprofit organizations usually grab meals from the food bank then take it to a designated location, like a homeless shelter. Now the food bank is preparing to distribute even more food after the closures of several businesses because of the coronavirus. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
Disney World to donate excess food to Second Harvest Food Bank
Read full article: Disney World to donate excess food to Second Harvest Food BankDespite its temporary closure to the coronavirus outbreak, Walt Disney World Resort will continue to donate excess food inventory like fresh salads, greens and expertly cooked hot items to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Launched in 1991, Disney Harvest collects excess and unserved food from locations throughout Walt Disney World, delivering it to feeding programs across Central Florida.
Disneyland to donate excess food during coronavirus closure
Read full article: Disneyland to donate excess food during coronavirus closureDisneyland Resort in California announced on Thursday it would be closed from Sunday until the end of March. The closure leaves a lot of excess food at the theme park, and theme park officials announced on its blog the leftover food would not go to waste. [Coronavirus: Walt Disney World theme parks to close through March]During the temporary closure, excess food inventory will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, the blog stated. [RELATED: This will be the longest closure ever for Disney World]In 2019, Disneyland donated more than 200,000 meals to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County through its food donation program, officials said. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando have also announced closures due to the coronavirus.
1 in 5 Central Florida kids is food insecure. Here’s how to help
Read full article: 1 in 5 Central Florida kids is food insecure. Here’s how to helpORLANDO, Fla. – One in five children in Central Florida is considered food insecure. But thanks to Second Harvest Food Bank and a $10,000 donation from Safelite Autoglass, students in Orange County Title I schools have food to take home on the weekends. “Because we know when you have to make a decision between fresh produce and mac-and-cheese, you’re going to purchase the mac-and-cheese because it’s going to fill your belly a lot more than the fresh produce. But we also know health-wise, you really need that fresh produce,” he said. If you’d like to contribute to Second Harvest or volunteer, you’ll find ways to help at FeedHopeNow.org.
Second Harvest Food Bank hopes Florida bill will bring results to culinary training program
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank hopes Florida bill will bring results to culinary training programSecond Harvest Food Bank gives individuals the opportunity to chase their food dreams. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.