ORLANDO, Fla. – Second 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 since many won’t have access to free or reduced school lunches.
Evans High School was one of several sites that’s expected to help feed thousands of families across Orange County.
Dozens of students, teachers, and administrators from the school spent their Saturday morning handing out food to people who need it.
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“We’ve been in this project with OCPS for over a decade now and recognizing there is clearly a need during the holiday season, for our children and even families, because you know they don’t have access to the free and reduced lunch programs and this is an opportunity to try and fill that gap,” said Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida CEO, Derrick Chubbs.
Chubbs said they have a seen a 90 percent increase in people using their website to look for food over the last three years.
“That’s a daunting number in it of itself so nothing tells us this is going to diminish any time soon,” Chubbs said.
Carolyn Spady was there to pick up food on Saturday.
“I am ever so grateful for the outpouring of love and thankfulness that everybody has given for this year,” Spady said.
Jose Carmona was also there with his family on Saturday. The Carmonas said getting the food means one less thing to worry about.
“You gotta be grateful and thankful so anything helps nowadays,” Carmona said.
Evans High School Principal Kenya Nelson-Warren said by providing the food, families can focus on making the holidays special.
“They don’t have to think about purchasing food, they can think about purchasing gifts for their families,” Nelson-Warren said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, you can use Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Food Locator by clicking here.
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