Kate Quinones, Second Harvest
During the February 11 visit, Florida’s second highest-ranking officer saw how state funding is vital to supporting local hunger relief efforts. Second Harvest leaders highlighted key partnerships with more than a hundred Florida farmers, ranchers and producers that redirect surplus commodities – such as fruit, vegetables, beef, seafood, dairy, and eggs – to families at risk of experiencing hunger. They also discussed Second Harvest’s infrastructure and partnership with the state to move disaster supplies following a hurricane.
“We were honored to host Lt. Governor Collins today and show how our team works every day to ensure that Central Floridians have access to the healthy food they need to thrive,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest. “Visits like this help bring our mission to life and strengthen partnerships that make a real difference in the lives of children, seniors and families across our community.”
Second Harvest and Lt. Governor Collins shared a vision for addressing root causes of hunger, from nutrition education to workforce development and creating economic mobility. The food bank’s Culinary Training Program demonstrates the transformative power of public, private and nonprofit partners working to create a resilient, skilled workforce.
“Visiting Second Harvest and seeing their operation in action reinforced the notion that when we work together, from the state level down to individual communities, we can find solutions to complex issues facing our neighbors,” said Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. “Whether it is supporting agriculture, addressing individual health and nutrition, or investing in a strong workforce, it is all about equipping Floridians to thrive.”
As the largest emergency food provider in Central Florida, Second Harvest distributes enough food to provide 330,000 meals a day.
For more information about how to support Second Harvest’s hunger relief efforts, or to find assistance, visitFeedHopeNow.org.
About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFBCF)
SHFBCF is a member of Feeding America – the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. SHFBCF secures and distributes food and grocery products to more than 800 local nonprofit feeding partners throughout Central Florida. With the help of food and financial donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributes 330,000 meals every day to a seven-county service area, which includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Feeding neighbors facing hunger is only the beginning. By investing in job training programs, advocating for access to nutritious foods, and inspiring our community to get involved, SHFBCF is leaning into the root causes of hunger and helping our neighbors thrive. With support from the Central Florida community, Second Harvest Food Bank is feeding inspiration, change, achievement, health — and families facing hunger. To learn more about SHFBCF, visit https://FeedHopeNow.org.
