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  11. <title>Blogging at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida</title>
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  13. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org</link>
  14. <description>Fighting hunger. Feeding hope.</description>
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  25. <title>Blogging at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida</title>
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  31. <title>Glow Sisters are &#8220;Getting Results&#8221; by Volunteering, Donating and Hosting Virtual Food Drives</title>
  32. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/glow-sisters-are-getting-results-by-volunteering-donating-and-hosting-virtual-food-drives/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=glow-sisters-are-getting-results-by-volunteering-donating-and-hosting-virtual-food-drives</link>
  34. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Second Harvest]]></dc:creator>
  35. <pubDate>Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:11:06 +0000</pubDate>
  36. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  37. <category><![CDATA[Food & Fund Drives]]></category>
  38. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  39. <category><![CDATA[Volunteers]]></category>
  40. <category><![CDATA[food insecurity]]></category>
  41. <category><![CDATA[help]]></category>
  42. <category><![CDATA[helping others]]></category>
  43. <category><![CDATA[hunger]]></category>
  44. <category><![CDATA[thank you]]></category>
  45. <category><![CDATA[Virtual Food Drive]]></category>
  46. <category><![CDATA[volunteer]]></category>
  47. <category><![CDATA[ways to help]]></category>
  48. <category><![CDATA[WKMG]]></category>
  49. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=2780</guid>
  50.  
  51. <description><![CDATA[Cassie and Sabrina Glow are two teenagers who use their voices to help fight food insecurity. They stand out because they don't complete one volunteer activity and move on. They've become committed to the cause and look for ways to support their neighbors facing hunger. 
  52.  
  53. The teen voice actors started by donating a portion of their earnings from Glow Girls Kid Voiceover to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. They came as a family to volunteer in the main Orlando warehouse too. They offered their professional services to be the voice of Second Harvest tv, radio and digital ads. Then, they started hosting virtual food drives when they wanted another way to get involved.]]></description>
  54. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  55. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WKMG-Glow-Header.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2781" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WKMG-Glow-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WKMG-Glow-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  56.  
  57.  
  58.  
  59. <p>During National Volunteer Month this April, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is sharing stories of gratitude, appreciation, and inspiration made possible by volunteers like you. Today&#8217;s story features two sisters who have found multiple ways to help fight hunger by volunteering their time and talent and getting others involved too. </p>
  60.  
  61.  
  62.  
  63. <p>Cassie and Sabrina Glow are two teenagers who use their voices to help fight food insecurity. They stand out because they don&#8217;t complete one volunteer activity and move on. They&#8217;ve become committed to the cause and look for ways to support their neighbors facing hunger. </p>
  64.  
  65.  
  66.  
  67. <p>The teen voice actors started by donating a portion of their earnings from Glow Girls Kid Voiceover to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. They came as a family to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways_involved_volunteer" target="_blank"><strong>volunteer </strong></a>in the main Orlando warehouse too. They offered their professional services to be the voice of Second Harvest tv, radio and digital ads. Then, they started hosting <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways_food_virtual" target="_blank"><strong>virtual food drives</strong></a> when they wanted another way to get involved.&nbsp;</p>
  68.  
  69.  
  70.  
  71. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  72. <iframe title="The #GlowGirls - WKMG Channel 6 &quot;Getting Results Award&quot;" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wsVFWVj4Z-Q?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  73. </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">WKMG News 6 recently recognized Cassie and Sabrina with its &#8220;Getting Results&#8221; Award</figcaption></figure>
  74.  
  75.  
  76.  
  77. <p>The girls first connected with Second Harvest during the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>
  78.  
  79.  
  80.  
  81. <p>&#8220;When we saw it on the news, it inspired us to help out,&#8221; recalls Sabrina. &#8220;We didn&#8217;t realize at the time how big of a problem it was. We were in a position to help, so that&#8217;s what we wanted to do.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>
  82.  
  83.  
  84.  
  85. <p>In Central Florida,<strong> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=about_hunger" target="_blank">1 in 8 people is facing hunger</a>.</strong> And while that number may seem daunting, the Glow Girls know that every donation, no matter how small, can significantly impact someone else. In fact, <strong>every dollar donated can provide four meals</strong>. </p>
  86.  
  87.  
  88.  
  89. <p>&#8220;You never know what someone else is going through,&#8221; says Cassie. &#8220;That&#8217;s what inspires us to help in any way we can.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>
  90.  
  91.  
  92.  
  93. <p>Through<a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-glow-girls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> virtual food drives</a> and a little sisterly competition, the Glow Girls have rallied the support of friends, family, classmates and clients to raise enough funds for 40,000 meals!</p>
  94.  
  95.  
  96.  
  97. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">April is National Volunteer Month.</h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"><p></p></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#7ac143">Get Involved</a></div></div>
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  124.  
  125.  
  126. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">MORE VOLUNTEER STORIES</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3933" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3933 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-volunteers tag-fight-hunger tag-hunger tag-volunteer tag-volunteer-captain entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/making-every-hour-count-lizzettes-passion-for-volunteering/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lizette-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lizette-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lizette-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/making-every-hour-count-lizzettes-passion-for-volunteering/" rel="bookmark">Making Every Hour Count: Lizzette&#8217;s Passion for Volunteering</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-05-02T13:34:10-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">May 2, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  127. <article id="post-3923" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3923 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-volunteers tag-fight-hunger tag-hunger tag-volunteer tag-volunteer-captain entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/volunteering-and-spending-quality-time-as-a-couple/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-and-Dawn-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-and-Dawn-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-and-Dawn-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/volunteering-and-spending-quality-time-as-a-couple/" rel="bookmark">Volunteering and Spending Quality Time as a Couple</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-25T09:08:53-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 25, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  128. <article id="post-3878" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3878 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-volunteers tag-community tag-fight-hunger tag-hunger tag-thank-you tag-virtual-food-drive tag-volunteer tag-volunteer-captain entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/celebrating-the-many-ways-you-volunteer-thank-you/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Volunteer-Week-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Volunteer-Week-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Volunteer-Week-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/celebrating-the-many-ways-you-volunteer-thank-you/" rel="bookmark">Celebrating the many ways you volunteer – thank you!</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-21T08:52:22-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 21, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  129. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
  133. </item>
  134. <item>
  135. <title>Charting a New Path, Thanks to You</title>
  136. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/charting-a-new-path-thanks-to-you/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=charting-a-new-path-thanks-to-you</link>
  137. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/charting-a-new-path-thanks-to-you/#respond</comments>
  139. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Erika Spence]]></dc:creator>
  140. <pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
  141. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  142. <category><![CDATA[Culinary Training Program]]></category>
  143. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  144. <category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
  145. <category><![CDATA[new career]]></category>
  146. <category><![CDATA[pandemic]]></category>
  147. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1928</guid>
  148.  
  149. <description><![CDATA[Elvin and his wife moved to Orlando to be with their college-age son with special needs. Elvin hoped to transfer from one hotel to another, but then the pandemic wiped out his plan. “Unemployment is not a job. I want a real job,” Elvin explained. Like so many thousands of hospitality workers in Central Florida, [&#8230;]]]></description>
  150. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  151. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Culinary_Elvin2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1929" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Culinary_Elvin2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Culinary_Elvin2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  152.  
  153.  
  154.  
  155. <p>Elvin and his wife moved to Orlando to be with their college-age son with special needs. Elvin hoped to transfer from one hotel to another, but then the pandemic wiped out his plan.</p>
  156.  
  157.  
  158.  
  159. <p><em>“Unemployment is not a job. I want a real job,” Elvin explained.</em></p>
  160.  
  161.  
  162.  
  163. <p>Like so many thousands of hospitality workers in Central Florida, Elvin faced a choice: wait out the pandemic or find something else. After more than nine months of searching for a job, he decided to pursue a different path.</p>
  164.  
  165.  
  166.  
  167. <p><em>“I said to myself, ‘Now is the time to do it because I have the time to do it.’” Elvin said. “Cooking is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”</em></p>
  168.  
  169.  
  170.  
  171. <p>Because of caring individuals like you, Second Harvest Food Bank’s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?NONCE_TOKEN=09F1134A0096D50E45D10329B0AD4149&amp;pagename=how_transform_culinary_training">Culinary Training Program</a> remained open during the pandemic. Your support helped 64 students graduate and launch new careers with Publix Supermarkets, Walt Disney World Resort, and Rosen Hotels, among other top employers. Today, Elvin is happily working at a local attraction as a lead cook. </p>
  172.  
  173.  
  174.  
  175. <p><em>“The hardest thing was not necessarily the lack of work. It was that I missed my co-workers. You gave that feeling of community back to me. I am grateful for you.”</em></p>
  176.  
  177.  
  178.  
  179. <p>One step at a time, hardworking parents are getting back on their feet, thanks to you.</p>
  180.  
  181.  
  182.  
  183. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">Your support makes an incredible difference to families.</h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6922&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;6922.donation=form1&amp;creative=rebuild" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#f37021">Give a gift of hope</a></div></div>
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  202. </div>
  203.  
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  206.  
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  209. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  210.  
  211.  
  212. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read More Stories from the Culinary Training Program</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3844" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3844 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-culinary-training-program tag-kitchen tag-new-career tag-opportunity entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark">Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"><p><a class="gb-block-post-grid-more-link gb-text-link" href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark">Continue Reading <span class="screen-reader-text">Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine</span></a></p></div></div></article>
  213. <article id="post-3726" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3726 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news tag-catering tag-easter tag-plate-above entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/host-a-stress-free-easter-with-plate-above-catering/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Easter-Holiday-Meals-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Easter-Holiday-Meals-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Easter-Holiday-Meals-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/host-a-stress-free-easter-with-plate-above-catering/" rel="bookmark">Host a stress-free Easter with Plate Above Catering</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"><p><a class="gb-block-post-grid-more-link gb-text-link" href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/host-a-stress-free-easter-with-plate-above-catering/" rel="bookmark">Continue Reading <span class="screen-reader-text">Host a stress-free Easter with Plate Above Catering</span></a></p></div></div></article>
  214. <article id="post-3668" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3668 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-culinary-training-program tag-kitchen tag-new-career tag-opportunity entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/always-learning-seeking-growth-after-graduation/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024Culinary-Asjah-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024Culinary-Asjah-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024Culinary-Asjah-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/always-learning-seeking-growth-after-graduation/" rel="bookmark">Always Learning: Seeking growth after graduation</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"><p><a class="gb-block-post-grid-more-link gb-text-link" href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/always-learning-seeking-growth-after-graduation/" rel="bookmark">Continue Reading <span class="screen-reader-text">Always Learning: Seeking growth after graduation</span></a></p></div></div></article>
  215. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
  217. <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/charting-a-new-path-thanks-to-you/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  218. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  221. </item>
  222. <item>
  223. <title>You are Rebuilding Hope</title>
  224. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-rebuilding-hope/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=you-are-rebuilding-hope</link>
  225. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-rebuilding-hope/#respond</comments>
  227. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Erika Spence]]></dc:creator>
  228. <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  229. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  230. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  231. <category><![CDATA[Programs You Support]]></category>
  232. <category><![CDATA[Stories of Hope & Courage]]></category>
  233. <category><![CDATA[food pantry]]></category>
  234. <category><![CDATA[pandemic]]></category>
  235. <category><![CDATA[sanford]]></category>
  236. <category><![CDATA[thank you]]></category>
  237. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1921</guid>
  238.  
  239. <description><![CDATA[Georgia is happily back to work, even if it is just two days a week. The pandemic took a toll on her savings. She lost her apartment, sold her car, and moved in with a friend. “If it weren’t for this food pantry and these volunteers, I don’t know if I’d be here today,” she [&#8230;]]]></description>
  240. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  241. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hope_Georgia.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1922" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hope_Georgia.png 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hope_Georgia-300x168.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  242.  
  243.  
  244.  
  245. <p>Georgia is happily back to work, even if it is just two days a week. The pandemic took a toll on her savings. She lost her apartment, sold her car, and moved in with a friend.</p>
  246.  
  247.  
  248.  
  249. <p><em>“If it weren’t for this food pantry and these volunteers, I don’t know if I’d be here today,” s</em>he said as she waited outside a church in Sanford. The food pantry is one of Second Harvest’s <a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=how_help_partners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">550 feeding partners</a> across 6 Central Florida counties.</p>
  250.  
  251.  
  252.  
  253. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  254. <p>You are a godsend. Thank you for putting food on my table tonight.</p>
  255. <cite>&#8211; Georgia</cite></blockquote>
  256.  
  257.  
  258.  
  259. <p>Thanks to you, Georgia walks home with all the essentials: beans, rice, eggs, meat, and fresh produce. The weight of the world is a little lighter, even with a heavy bag of groceries.</p>
  260.  
  261.  
  262.  
  263. <p>While your generosity has provided many neighbors with food and peace of mind, there are still more who need your help as they rebuild and recover. </p>
  264.  
  265.  
  266.  
  267. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">You can help our neighbors have the<br/>nutritious food they need.</h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"><p>$10 can provide 40 meals.</p></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6922&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;6922.donation=form1&amp;creative=rebuild" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#f37021">Give Hope</a></div></div>
  268.  
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  287.  
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  290.  
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  293. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>
  294.  
  295.  
  296. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read More Stories of Your Impact</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3939" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3939 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-food-distribution tag-fresh-produce tag-hope tag-mobile-drop tag-thank-you entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark">Striving Forward, One Meal at a Time</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-05-03T15:12:25-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">May 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  297. <article id="post-3844" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3844 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-culinary-training-program tag-kitchen tag-new-career tag-opportunity entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark">Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-15T14:20:28-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 15, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  298. <article id="post-3818" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3818 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-volunteers tag-feeding-partners tag-fight-hunger tag-food-distribution tag-hunger tag-mobile-drop tag-mobile-food-drop tag-volunteers entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark">Together We Make a Difference</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-03T14:31:22-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  299. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
  301. <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-rebuilding-hope/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  302. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  305. </item>
  306. <item>
  307. <title>Your action translates directly into hope</title>
  308. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/your-action-translates-directly-into-hope/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=your-action-translates-directly-into-hope</link>
  309. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/your-action-translates-directly-into-hope/#respond</comments>
  311. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Derrick Chubbs]]></dc:creator>
  312. <pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  313. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  314. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  315. <category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category>
  316. <category><![CDATA[food assistance]]></category>
  317. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1920</guid>
  318.  
  319. <description><![CDATA[As Central Florida moves forward, we should always be mindful of the sacrifices, hardships, and struggles that thousands of our neighbors experiencing hunger have lived through since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Too many of our neighbors lost jobs, lost income, and even lost loved ones.  During this time, our Central Florida community pulled together [&#8230;]]]></description>
  320. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  321. <p>As Central Florida moves forward, we should always be mindful of the sacrifices, hardships, and struggles that thousands of our neighbors experiencing hunger have lived through since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
  322.  
  323.  
  324.  
  325. <p>Too many of our neighbors lost jobs, lost income, and even lost loved ones.  During this time, our Central Florida community pulled together in an unprecedented way to help those who could not afford enough food for themselves and their families. We are grateful for that support, and we thank you for caring enough to take action to help.</p>
  326.  
  327.  
  328.  
  329. <p>In the past year, your support provided</p>
  330.  
  331.  
  332.  
  333. <ul><li>97 million meals</li><li>662 mobile food distributions</li><li>65 school markets</li></ul>
  334.  
  335.  
  336.  
  337. <figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-4 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="522" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_LibertySchoolMarket.jpg" alt="" data-id="1869" data-full-url="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_LibertySchoolMarket.jpg" data-link="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/second-harvest-food-bank-receives-75000-from-morgan-stanley-foundation/news_libertyschoolmarket/" class="wp-image-1869" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_LibertySchoolMarket.jpg 522w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_LibertySchoolMarket-300x241.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="240" height="320" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Volunteers_Quavion3.jpg" alt="" data-id="1488" data-full-url="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Volunteers_Quavion3.jpg" data-link="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/three-cheers-for-our-volunteers-2021/volunteers_quavion3/" class="wp-image-1488" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Volunteers_Quavion3.jpg 240w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Volunteers_Quavion3-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programs_ChildhoodHunger.jpg" alt="" data-id="1451" data-full-url="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programs_ChildhoodHunger.jpg" data-link="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/mercy-kitchen-cooks-up-hope-this-summer/programs_childhoodhunger/" class="wp-image-1451" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programs_ChildhoodHunger.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programs_ChildhoodHunger-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Volunteers_Sorting.jpg" alt="" data-id="1737" data-full-url="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Volunteers_Sorting.jpg" data-link="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/hope-one-meal-at-a-time/volunteers_sorting/" class="wp-image-1737" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Volunteers_Sorting.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Volunteers_Sorting-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude3.jpg" alt="" data-id="1740" data-full-url="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude3.jpg" data-link="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/a-word-of-gratitude-for-2021/news_gratitude3/" class="wp-image-1740" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude3.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude3-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coronavirus_HeartsHandsHope1.jpg" alt="" data-id="1417" data-full-url="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coronavirus_HeartsHandsHope1.jpg" data-link="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/hunger-doesnt-take-a-summer-break/coronavirus_heartshandshope1/" class="wp-image-1417" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coronavirus_HeartsHandsHope1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coronavirus_HeartsHandsHope1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/News_OCPSHoliday6.jpg" alt="" data-id="1801" data-full-url="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/News_OCPSHoliday6.jpg" data-link="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/feeding-hope-to-families-this-holiday-season/news_ocpsholiday6/" class="wp-image-1801" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/News_OCPSHoliday6.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/News_OCPSHoliday6-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></li></ul><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption">Thanks to you, 97 million meals were distributed to neighbors facing hunger last year.</figcaption></figure>
  338.  
  339.  
  340.  
  341. <p>Today our community is settling into a ‘new normal’ where the need for food assistance remains high.&nbsp;Even though many have found a way to get back to work, more people than ever before continue to seek help from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and our 550 feeding partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;The economic tail of this time will take years to correct itself, and for some who sank too low financially, that time may sadly never come.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
  342.  
  343.  
  344.  
  345. <p>Still, there is hope.&nbsp;&nbsp;Of all the challenges our neighbors continue to face today, hunger need not be one of them. Hunger is solvable with resources that already exist.&nbsp;What it takes to feed the need is kindness, generosity, and support for those who face uncertainty day after day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  346.  
  347.  
  348.  
  349. <p>At Second Harvest Food Bank, we will continue to stretch into that gap of unmet need. We can only do this work because of the support of a caring community and people like you. Thank you again<strong> </strong>for keeping the needs of our families, seniors, children, and others in mind this year. Your action translates directly into hope. </p>
  350.  
  351.  
  352.  
  353. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">Your support provides meals and hope.</h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"><p>$10 can provide 40 meals for a child, family or senior experiencing hunger.</p></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6922&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;6922.donation=form1&amp;creative=rebuild" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#f37021">Give today</a></div></div>
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  373.  
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  375. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
  376.  
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  379. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  380.  
  381.  
  382. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read More Stories of Your Impact</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3939" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3939 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-food-distribution tag-fresh-produce tag-hope tag-mobile-drop tag-thank-you entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark">Striving Forward, One Meal at a Time</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-05-03T15:12:25-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">May 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  383. <article id="post-3844" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3844 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-culinary-training-program tag-kitchen tag-new-career tag-opportunity entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark">Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-15T14:20:28-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 15, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  384. <article id="post-3818" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3818 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-volunteers tag-feeding-partners tag-fight-hunger tag-food-distribution tag-hunger tag-mobile-drop tag-mobile-food-drop tag-volunteers entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark">Together We Make a Difference</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-03T14:31:22-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  385. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
  387. <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/your-action-translates-directly-into-hope/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  388. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  391. </item>
  392. <item>
  393. <title>1 Year of Hope from Mercy Kitchen</title>
  394. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/1-year-of-hope-from-mercy-kitchen/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=1-year-of-hope-from-mercy-kitchen</link>
  395. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/1-year-of-hope-from-mercy-kitchen/#respond</comments>
  397. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Erika Spence]]></dc:creator>
  398. <pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2022 20:12:43 +0000</pubDate>
  399. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  400. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  401. <category><![CDATA[Programs You Support]]></category>
  402. <category><![CDATA[CARES Act]]></category>
  403. <category><![CDATA[coronavirus]]></category>
  404. <category><![CDATA[kids cafe]]></category>
  405. <category><![CDATA[Mercy Kitchen]]></category>
  406. <category><![CDATA[orange county]]></category>
  407. <category><![CDATA[pandemic]]></category>
  408. <category><![CDATA[production kitchen]]></category>
  409. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1885</guid>
  410.  
  411. <description><![CDATA[In the middle of uncertainty, our community stepped up in a big, bold way to care for our neighbors. At the height of the pandemic, Orange County Government recognized the urgent need for food assistance and invested in the future of hunger relief in Central Florida. With support from the CARES Act and additional gifts [&#8230;]]]></description>
  412. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  413. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1889" style="width:750px;height:420px" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year4.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year4-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  414.  
  415.  
  416.  
  417. <p>In the middle of uncertainty, our community stepped up in a big, bold way to care for our neighbors. At the height of the pandemic, Orange County Government recognized the urgent need for food assistance and invested in the future of hunger relief in Central Florida. With support from the CARES Act and additional gifts from the community, <a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=how_help_mercy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercy Kitchen</a> opened its doors in 2021.</p>
  418.  
  419.  
  420.  
  421. <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
  422. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1450" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programs_MercyKitchen.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1450" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programs_MercyKitchen.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programs_MercyKitchen-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  423.  
  424.  
  425.  
  426. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1270" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus_MercyKitchenOpen2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1270" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus_MercyKitchenOpen2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus_MercyKitchenOpen2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  427.  
  428.  
  429.  
  430. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1267" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus_MercyKitchenOpen1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1267" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus_MercyKitchenOpen1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus_MercyKitchenOpen1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  431. <figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption">Mercy Kitchen opened in 2021. The new production kitchen is two miles north of the main Orlando warehouse.</figcaption></figure>
  432.  
  433.  
  434.  
  435. <p>Thanks to dedicated <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways_involved_volunteer" target="_blank">volunteers</a>, strong community partnerships and innovative solutions,&nbsp;<strong>4.5 million meals</strong>&nbsp;were distributed from Mercy Kitchen in the first year of operation. These meals brought renewed hope to children, families, seniors, and veterans.</p>
  436.  
  437.  
  438.  
  439. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  440. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Mercy Kitchen Anniversary Video" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0YePJkC5NHU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  441. </div></figure>
  442.  
  443.  
  444.  
  445. <p>The new production kitchen doubled the available space for meal preparation to support programs like Kids Cafe, Summer Food Service, and disaster relief efforts, as well as meals for veterans and seniors. Every day, individual volunteers and corporate groups enthusiastically don chef coats, put on hairnets, and embrace their inner lunch lady. In a few fast-paced and fun hours, they scoop vegetables, prepare mini salads and package <strong>6,000 meals daily</strong> for distribution into the community.</p>
  446.  
  447.  
  448.  
  449. <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
  450. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1888" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1888" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  451.  
  452.  
  453.  
  454. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1887" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1887" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  455.  
  456.  
  457.  
  458. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1886" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1886" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year3.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_MercyKitchen1Year3-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  459. <figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption">Volunteers help package fresh meals for kids, seniors and veterans inside Mercy Kitchen.</figcaption></figure>
  460.  
  461.  
  462.  
  463. <p>The opportunity to produce and distribute freshly prepared meals into the community came at the right time for students at Treasure of Knowledge Christian Academy, in the Meadow Woods community of South Orange County.</p>
  464.  
  465.  
  466.  
  467. <p>Due to lost wages, limited hours at work and financial setbacks, families were unable to send food for the after-school program resulting in some students eating and others going without. Purchasing food would mean adding additional costs to the enrollment fee for parents or squeezing a tight budget meant for tutoring, enrichment, games and activities.</p>
  468.  
  469.  
  470.  
  471. <p>Today, as part of Second Harvest Food Bank’s <a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=how_help_kids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kids Cafe</a> program, 55 kids have access to hot, freshly-prepared, nutritious meals and snacks every afternoon from Mercy Kitchen.</p>
  472.  
  473.  
  474.  
  475. <p>“It’s a win-win for the school, the kids, and the community,” explains school administrator Chad Lang.</p>
  476.  
  477.  
  478.  
  479. <p>In addition to providing meals for childhood hunger relief programs, Mercy Kitchen is also home to social entrepreneurial endeavors, such as <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways_kitchen_Meals" target="_blank">contracted meals</a> for private schools. These meals, along with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways_kitchen_catering" target="_blank">Catering for Good</a> and <a href="http://www.aspoonfullofhope.org/">A Spoon Full of Hope</a>, allow Second Harvest to diversify its funding stream and continue providing necessary resources to help sustain hunger relief efforts in Central Florida.</p>
  480.  
  481.  
  482.  
  483. <p>Thanks to you, Mercy Kitchen will continue to provide hunger relief and hope in our community into the future.</p>
  484.  
  485.  
  486.  
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  488. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color" style="color:#32373c;font-size:32;line-height:1">Experience your impact at Mercy Kitchen.</h2>
  489.  
  490.  
  491.  
  492. <p class="has-text-align-center has-text-color" style="color:#32373c;line-height:1">Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals five days a week.</p>
  493.  
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  526.  
  527.  
  528. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read More Stories of Your Impact</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3939" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3939 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-food-distribution tag-fresh-produce tag-hope tag-mobile-drop tag-thank-you entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark">Striving Forward, One Meal at a Time</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-05-03T15:12:25-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">May 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  529. <article id="post-3844" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3844 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-culinary-training-program tag-kitchen tag-new-career tag-opportunity entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark">Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-15T14:20:28-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 15, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  530. <article id="post-3818" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3818 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-volunteers tag-feeding-partners tag-fight-hunger tag-food-distribution tag-hunger tag-mobile-drop tag-mobile-food-drop tag-volunteers entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark">Together We Make a Difference</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-03T14:31:22-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  531. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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  538. <item>
  539. <title>Second Harvest Receives $45,000 through Bank of America’ COVID-19 Employee Booster Initiative</title>
  540. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/second-harvest-receives-45000-through-bank-of-america-covid-19-employee-booster-initiative/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=second-harvest-receives-45000-through-bank-of-america-covid-19-employee-booster-initiative</link>
  541. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/second-harvest-receives-45000-through-bank-of-america-covid-19-employee-booster-initiative/#respond</comments>
  543. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Second Harvest]]></dc:creator>
  544. <pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
  545. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  546. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  547. <category><![CDATA[Bank of America]]></category>
  548. <category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category>
  549. <category><![CDATA[donation]]></category>
  550. <category><![CDATA[food assistance]]></category>
  551. <category><![CDATA[food insecurity]]></category>
  552. <category><![CDATA[partner]]></category>
  553. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1881</guid>
  554.  
  555. <description><![CDATA[Bank of America today announced a $45,000 donation worth 180,000 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to address food insecurity in the region. An estimated 38 million people were food insecure in the United States in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As the pandemic continues, hunger relief organizations in [&#8230;]]]></description>
  556. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  557. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_BOAdonation.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1882" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_BOAdonation.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/News_BOAdonation-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  558.  
  559.  
  560.  
  561. <p>Bank of America today announced a $45,000 donation worth 180,000 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida<a> </a>to address food insecurity in the region. An estimated <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/#insecure">38 million people</a> were food insecure in the United States in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As the pandemic continues, hunger relief organizations in Orlando and across the country are facing ongoing challenges such as increased demand for their services and rising food prices.</p>
  562.  
  563.  
  564.  
  565. <p>Bank of America is supporting its employees’ health and safety while addressing one of the local community&#8217;s most critical needs. Earlier this year, the company announced it would make a $100 donation to local hunger relief organizations and food banks for each employee in Orlando who received a COVID-19 booster shot or vaccine and notified the bank before the end of January. The company made an additional contribution to address the increased need experienced by hunger relief organizations across the country. Since the onset of the pandemic, Bank of America has provided more than $353,000 in funding to Second Harvest Food Bank in support of local hunger relief efforts. </p>
  566.  
  567.  
  568.  
  569. <p>Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to distribute enough food for 250,000 meals each day through its network of 550 community feeding partners. An estimated one in seven Central Floridians is at risk of going to bed hungry on any given night. For every $10 donated to Second Harvest, the organization can provide 40 meals to the community. With help from the bank’s donation, Second Harvest will be able to provide 180,000 meals to individuals and families throughout Central Florida. The bank has been a longtime partner of Second Harvest, giving a total of more than $1 million.</p>
  570.  
  571.  
  572.  
  573. <p>“Ongoing financial support from corporate advocates – like Bank of America – continue feeding hope to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest Food Bank. “The pandemic’s economic impact on Central Florida hit deep, and the need for emergency food assistance remains elevated. We’re extremely grateful for every contribution.”</p>
  574.  
  575.  
  576.  
  577. <p>Nationally, the bank has committed $10.6 million dollars to food banks and hunger relief organizations through this effort. Since 2015, Bank of America has donated nearly $150 million toward hunger relief efforts.</p>
  578.  
  579.  
  580.  
  581. <p>“As the pandemic continues to impact Orlando, food banks and hunger relief organizations are experiencing increased demand and higher costs to meet the needs of individuals and families,” said Steven Alch, President, Bank of America Orlando. “Our commitment to help strengthen the communities we live in and serve is unwavering, which is why we are investing in the health, safety and wellbeing of our teammates while also providing funds to help local organizations support our neighbors and fight food insecurity.”</p>
  582.  
  583.  
  584.  
  585. <p>Bank of America committed to donating a minimum of $25,000 in each of the company’s 93 markets to local nonprofit partners as part its vaccine booster effort. Because vaccination boosters and reporting are voluntary and additional company contributions are reflected in the final amount, actual donation amounts differ from the number of boosters reported by bank employees.</p>
  586.  
  587.  
  588.  
  589. <p>The company has encouraged staff to get COVID-19 vaccinations since summer 2021 and has offered incentives such as paid time-off and $500 credits towards health benefit premiums. In partnership with local nonprofits, Bank of America has also distributed more than 38 million masks, 41,000 cases of hand sanitizer and 11 million gloves in local communities as part of its ongoing efforts to address health-related disparities accelerated by the pandemic.</p>
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  622. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read More Stories of Hope &amp; Courage</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3770" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3770 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-stories-of-hope tag-food-insecurity tag-help tag-helping-others tag-hunger tag-ways-to-help entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-a-lifeline/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Maria-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Maria-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Maria-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-a-lifeline/" rel="bookmark">You are a Lifeline</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"><p><a class="gb-block-post-grid-more-link gb-text-link" href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-a-lifeline/" rel="bookmark">Continue Reading <span class="screen-reader-text">You are a Lifeline</span></a></p></div></div></article>
  623. <article id="post-3659" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3659 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-stories-of-hope tag-childhood-hunger tag-childhood-nutrition tag-children tag-food-insecurity tag-give-hope tag-hunger tag-kids-cafes tag-meals-for-kids tag-school-partnerships entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-and-families-receive-help-new-foods-at-school-partnerships/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-School-Markets-header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-School-Markets-header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-School-Markets-header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-and-families-receive-help-new-foods-at-school-partnerships/" rel="bookmark">Students and Families Receive Help, New Foods at School Partnerships</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"><p><a class="gb-block-post-grid-more-link gb-text-link" href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-and-families-receive-help-new-foods-at-school-partnerships/" rel="bookmark">Continue Reading <span class="screen-reader-text">Students and Families Receive Help, New Foods at School Partnerships</span></a></p></div></div></article>
  624. <article id="post-3638" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3638 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-stories-of-hope tag-childhood-hunger tag-childhood-nutrition tag-children tag-food-insecurity tag-give-hope tag-hunger tag-kids-cafes tag-meals-for-kids entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/after-school-meals-provide-stability-for-students-and-parents/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-Kids-Cafe-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-Kids-Cafe-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-Kids-Cafe-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/after-school-meals-provide-stability-for-students-and-parents/" rel="bookmark">After School Meals Provide Stability for Students and Parents</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"><p><a class="gb-block-post-grid-more-link gb-text-link" href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/after-school-meals-provide-stability-for-students-and-parents/" rel="bookmark">Continue Reading <span class="screen-reader-text">After School Meals Provide Stability for Students and Parents</span></a></p></div></div></article>
  625. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
  627. <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/second-harvest-receives-45000-through-bank-of-america-covid-19-employee-booster-initiative/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  628. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  631. </item>
  632. <item>
  633. <title>A Word of Gratitude for 2021</title>
  634. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/a-word-of-gratitude-for-2021/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=a-word-of-gratitude-for-2021</link>
  635. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/a-word-of-gratitude-for-2021/#respond</comments>
  637. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Second Harvest]]></dc:creator>
  638. <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 09:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
  639. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  640. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  641. <category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
  642. <category><![CDATA[gratitude]]></category>
  643. <category><![CDATA[thank you]]></category>
  644. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1732</guid>
  645.  
  646. <description><![CDATA[Light at the end of the tunnel. It seems like this phrase pops up every time our community faces a daunting challenge or hardship.&#160; The past two years have certainly felt overwhelming for thousands of our neighbors in Central Florida. The ability to keep looking forward through adversity lies deep in our nature as humans. [&#8230;]]]></description>
  647. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  648. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1742" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  649.  
  650.  
  651.  
  652. <p>Light at the end of the tunnel. It seems like this phrase pops up every time our community faces a daunting challenge or hardship.&nbsp; The past two years have certainly felt overwhelming for thousands of our neighbors in Central Florida.</p>
  653.  
  654.  
  655.  
  656. <p>The ability to keep looking forward through adversity lies deep in our nature as humans. For some, it can be harder to maintain that hope for a brighter future.&nbsp; For our low-income neighbors, these moments can feel dark, lonely, and discouraging. The basic needs of life become even more paramount, and the smallest gestures of love and support can make such a dramatic difference.</p>
  657.  
  658.  
  659.  
  660. <p>This year at Second Harvest Food Bank, we have witnessed some of the most selfless generosity from our community that we can recall.&nbsp; Your support delivered a dramatic increase in the amount of nutritious food flowing to individuals and families facing some of the darkest times of their lives. You are the light at the end of their tunnel.</p>
  661.  
  662.  
  663.  
  664. <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
  665. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1739" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1739" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude4.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude4-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  666.  
  667.  
  668.  
  669. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1740" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1740" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude3.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude3-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  670.  
  671.  
  672.  
  673. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" data-id="1741" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1741" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News_Gratitude2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  674. </figure>
  675.  
  676.  
  677.  
  678. <p>We are grateful for your support, your gifts of food and funds, and your acts of volunteerism.&nbsp; I hope you will take some time to reflect on the hope that your kindness and generosity shine brightly for so many.&nbsp; </p>
  679.  
  680.  
  681.  
  682. <p>Thank you!</p>
  683.  
  684.  
  685.  
  686. <p>Jeff Lutes<br>Chairman, Board of Directors<br>Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida </p>
  687.  
  688.  
  689.  
  690. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">Your support of Second Harvest Food Bank helps close the gap <br/>of un-met need in our community.</h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#7ac143">Learn More</a></div></div>
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  693. <div class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-sharing gb-block-sharing gb-share-icon-text gb-share-shape-square gb-share-size-medium gb-share-color-social gb-align-center">
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  716. </div>
  717.  
  718.  
  719. <p></p>
  720.  
  721.  
  722.  
  723. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  724.  
  725.  
  726. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read More Stories of Your Impact</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3939" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3939 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-food-distribution tag-fresh-produce tag-hope tag-mobile-drop tag-thank-you entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark">Striving Forward, One Meal at a Time</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-05-03T15:12:25-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">May 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  727. <article id="post-3844" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3844 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-culinary-training-program tag-kitchen tag-new-career tag-opportunity entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark">Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-15T14:20:28-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 15, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  728. <article id="post-3818" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3818 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-volunteers tag-feeding-partners tag-fight-hunger tag-food-distribution tag-hunger tag-mobile-drop tag-mobile-food-drop tag-volunteers entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark">Together We Make a Difference</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-03T14:31:22-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  729. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
  731. <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/a-word-of-gratitude-for-2021/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  732. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  735. </item>
  736. <item>
  737. <title>You are Providing Hope</title>
  738. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/your-generosity-at-work/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=your-generosity-at-work</link>
  739. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/your-generosity-at-work/#respond</comments>
  741. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Second Harvest]]></dc:creator>
  742. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:49:37 +0000</pubDate>
  743. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  744. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  745. <category><![CDATA[hunger]]></category>
  746. <category><![CDATA[impact]]></category>
  747. <category><![CDATA[town hall]]></category>
  748. <category><![CDATA[update]]></category>
  749. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1723</guid>
  750.  
  751. <description><![CDATA[Thank you for changing lives. Your support has made an incredible impact during these difficult times for our neighbors facing hunger in Central Florida. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently held a virtual impact update to connect with donors and supporters and share stories of the kids, families and seniors who are reaching [&#8230;]]]></description>
  752. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  753. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/coronavirus_townhall3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1724" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/coronavirus_townhall3.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/coronavirus_townhall3-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  754.  
  755.  
  756.  
  757. <p><strong>Thank you for changing lives.</strong> Your support has made an incredible impact during these difficult times for our neighbors facing hunger in Central Florida.</p>
  758.  
  759.  
  760.  
  761. <p>Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently held a virtual impact update to connect with donors and supporters and share stories of the kids, families and seniors who are reaching out for help with food assistance while recovering from financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. </p>
  762.  
  763.  
  764.  
  765. <p>You can watch the video recording of the session featuring Dave Krepcho, President/CEO for Second Harvest, and Peg Cornwell, Chair-Elect for Second Harvest&#8217;s Board of Directors. The conversation covered the following topics: </p>
  766.  
  767.  
  768.  
  769. <ul><li>How your support helps provide nutritious meals</li><li>The pandemic recovery effort</li><li>The future of the food bank</li><li>Ways to continue making an impact</li></ul>
  770.  
  771.  
  772.  
  773. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  774. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Impact Update 2021" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mPZPoHZIvIM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  775. </div></figure>
  776.  
  777.  
  778.  
  779. <p>Your generosity makes it possible for Second Harvest Food Bank to provide<strong> 250,000 meals every day</strong> in our community. Your kindness and giving spirit provide hope for those who need it most.</p>
  780.  
  781.  
  782.  
  783. <p>Thank you for making a difference.</p>
  784.  
  785.  
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  787. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">1 in 7 Central Floridians is facing hunger today. </h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?NONCE_TOKEN=4C3797BBE6662D44D443AE6D1F0489CF&amp;pagename=need_stories" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#7ac143">Read Their Stories</a></div></div>
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  814.  
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  816. <p></p>
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  820. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  821.  
  822.  
  823. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read More Stories of Your Impact</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-3939" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3939 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-food-distribution tag-fresh-produce tag-hope tag-mobile-drop tag-thank-you entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/striving-forward-one-meal-at-a-time/" rel="bookmark">Striving Forward, One Meal at a Time</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-05-03T15:12:25-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">May 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  824. <article id="post-3844" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3844 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support tag-culinary-training-program tag-kitchen tag-new-career tag-opportunity entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Plant-Based-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/students-explore-plant-based-cuisine/" rel="bookmark">Students Explore Plant-Based Cuisine</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-15T14:20:28-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 15, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  825. <article id="post-3818" class="gb-post-grid-item post-3818 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-volunteers tag-feeding-partners tag-fight-hunger tag-food-distribution tag-hunger tag-mobile-drop tag-mobile-food-drop tag-volunteers entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Together-2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/together-we-make-a-difference/" rel="bookmark">Together We Make a Difference</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2024-04-03T14:31:22-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 3, 2024</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  826. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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  832. </item>
  833. <item>
  834. <title>Florida poised to pass up millions in federal aid meant to feed children</title>
  835. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/florida-poised-to-pass-up-millions-in-federal-aid-meant-to-feed-children/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=florida-poised-to-pass-up-millions-in-federal-aid-meant-to-feed-children</link>
  836. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/florida-poised-to-pass-up-millions-in-federal-aid-meant-to-feed-children/#respond</comments>
  838. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Second Harvest]]></dc:creator>
  839. <pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
  840. <category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
  841. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  842. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  843. <category><![CDATA[SNAP]]></category>
  844. <category><![CDATA[childhood hunger]]></category>
  845. <category><![CDATA[pandemic]]></category>
  846. <category><![CDATA[Pandemic EBT]]></category>
  847. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1568</guid>
  848.  
  849. <description><![CDATA[The state of Florida is poised to leave $820 million in federal pandemic food assistance for over 2 million hungry children on the table without immediate action by the Department of Children and Families, caution Florida Policy Institute, Florida Impact, No Kid Hungry, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Feeding Tampa Bay. This [&#8230;]]]></description>
  850. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  851. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Advocacy_PEBT.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1569" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Advocacy_PEBT.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Advocacy_PEBT-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  852.  
  853.  
  854.  
  855. <p>The state of Florida is poised to leave $820 million in federal pandemic food assistance for <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/resource/pandemic-ebt-summer-2021-projected-beneficiaries-and-value-benefits">over 2 million</a> hungry children on the table without immediate action by the Department of Children and Families, caution Florida Policy Institute, Florida Impact, No Kid Hungry, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Feeding Tampa Bay.</p>
  856.  
  857.  
  858.  
  859. <p>This assistance, which is called the Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer P-EBT) program,&nbsp; provides federal funding at no cost to states to provide grocery benefits to children who missed out on free or reduced-price meals while their school or child care facilities were closed during the summer.</p>
  860.  
  861.  
  862.  
  863. <p>Summer P-EBT has strong, bipartisan support. Most states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas,&nbsp; have already been approved to use these federal funds to feed hungry children.</p>
  864.  
  865.  
  866.  
  867. <p>Meanwhile, Florida is one of <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-guidance-coronavirus-pandemic-ebt-pebt">only a handful of states</a> that appears to have made no effort to get the summer program off the ground.</p>
  868.  
  869.  
  870.  
  871. <p>Since summer feeding programs only reach<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/04/26/usda-provide-critical-nutrition-assistance-30m-kids-over-summer"> 1 in 5 children</a> who receive free or reduced-price meals at school, Summer P-EBT is a way to ensure that children in participating states do not go hungry while school is out. With summer wrapped up and school now in session,&nbsp; Florida families have already carried much of the burden of meal costs for their children over the summer in the absence of school meals. However, there is still an opportunity to get relief for families: summer P-EBT benefits can be provided retroactively, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is still accepting applications from states to run these vital programs.</p>
  872.  
  873.  
  874.  
  875. <p>“It’s not too late for the state to get these funds to children in families with low income,” said Sadaf Knight, CEO of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Florida Policy Institute. “Although fall is fast approaching, this program would still help families who are playing catch up from the summer due to added food and other pandemic-related costs. ”&nbsp;</p>
  876.  
  877.  
  878.  
  879. <p>If&nbsp; Florida accepts available funds, the program would provide families with low income approximately<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/resource-files/2021-pandemic-ebt-summer-state-plan-template.pdf"> </a><a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/resource-files/2021-pandemic-ebt-summer-state-plan-template.pdf">$6.82 a day to spend on a child&#8217;s meals</a> or a total of about $375 per child. Benefits from Summer P-EBT can only be used to purchase food.</p>
  880.  
  881.  
  882.  
  883. <p>Florida’s children continue to experience hunger and other hardships exacerbated by the financial impact of the pandemic. In a<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/tracking-the-covid-19-recessions-effects-on-food-housing-and?utm_source=SNAP+Advocates+-+Small&amp;utm_campaign=a1814a43c6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_13_04_17_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_1b6cfee77e-a1814a43c6-111312889"> survey of Florida households conducted by the Census Bureau from June 23, 2021, through July 5, 2021</a>, 14 percent of adults living with children reported that their kids were not eating enough because the household could not afford food. Thirteen percent of renters said that they were not caught up on rent, and 30 percent reported that they were having trouble paying for their household’s usual expenses.</p>
  884.  
  885.  
  886.  
  887. <p>Children of color<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/tracking-the-covid-19-recessions-effects-on-food-housing-and"> </a><a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/tracking-the-covid-19-recessions-effects-on-food-housing-and">are disproportionately harmed</a> by delaying Summer P-EBT. Nation-wide, roughly 51 percent of children in Black households, 47 percent in Latino households, and 30 percent in white households live in families that have trouble covering usual living expenses, such as food, housing, car payments, and medical expenses. The end result is that the delay in delivering Summer P-EBT only<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/blog/new-usda-guidance-clarifies-states-p-ebt-flexibility-to-mitigate-child-hunger"> </a><a href="https://www.cbpp.org/blog/new-usda-guidance-clarifies-states-p-ebt-flexibility-to-mitigate-child-hunger">heightens racial disparities</a>.</p>
  888.  
  889.  
  890.  
  891. <p>The longer Florida waits to submit its plan, the longer families across the state will have to wait for this critical grocery benefit.</p>
  892.  
  893.  
  894.  
  895. <p>“Federal benefits like Summer P-EBT will be essential as our state continues to rebuild from this crisis.&nbsp; Making sure families can afford to buy the food they need when they need it is one of the most efficient, effective ways to prevent kids from going hungry.&nbsp; Those benefits are spent at local grocery stores and markets, funneling dollars directly back into Florida’s economy” said Sky Beard, Director of No Kid Hungry Florida. “</p>
  896.  
  897.  
  898.  
  899. <p>“No parent should have to feel the stress of not being able to provide enough food for their children,” said Kim Johnson, CEO of Florida Impact to End Hunger.&nbsp;</p>
  900.  
  901.  
  902.  
  903. <p>Florida still has time to launch Summer P-EBT to feed kids. However, state policymakers must act quickly to implement this critical nutrition program.</p>
  904.  
  905.  
  906.  
  907. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">Tell the state to accept Summer EBT now.</h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"><p>Add your name as a childhood hunger advocate.</p></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://act.feedhopenow.org/a/summer-ebt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#7ac143">Sign the Petition</a></div></div>
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  934.  
  935.  
  936. <p></p>
  937.  
  938.  
  939.  
  940. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  941.  
  942.  
  943. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">Read more about advocacy</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-2740" class="gb-post-grid-item post-2740 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-advocacy category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news tag-donations tag-food-insecurity tag-food-is-medicine tag-hunger tag-meal-makers tag-medically-tailored-meals tag-monthly-donor tag-thank-you entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/positive-potential-the-power-we-all-have-to-fight-hunger/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Positive-Potential-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Positive-Potential-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Positive-Potential-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/positive-potential-the-power-we-all-have-to-fight-hunger/" rel="bookmark">Positive Potential: The Power We All Have to Fight Hunger</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2023-03-16T06:27:29-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">March 16, 2023</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  944. <article id="post-2675" class="gb-post-grid-item post-2675 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-advocacy category-culinary-training-program category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news tag-donations tag-food-insecurity tag-hunger tag-meal-makers tag-monthly-donor tag-thank-you tag-virtual-food-drive entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/tackling-poverty-and-hunger-in-2023/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Chubb-Sentinel-Feb-10.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Chubb-Sentinel-Feb-10.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Chubb-Sentinel-Feb-10-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/tackling-poverty-and-hunger-in-2023/" rel="bookmark">Tackling Poverty and Hunger in 2023</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2023-02-13T08:43:48-05:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">February 13, 2023</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  945. <article id="post-2436" class="gb-post-grid-item post-2436 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-advocacy category-health-and-hunger category-hunger-news category-this-is-food category-vote tag-advocacy tag-childhood-hunger tag-fight-hunger tag-health-and-hunger tag-hunger tag-this-is-food entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/white-house-conference-on-health/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WH1.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WH1.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WH1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/white-house-conference-on-health/" rel="bookmark">White House Conference on Health</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2022-11-16T16:03:34-05:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">November 16, 2022</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  946. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
  948. <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/florida-poised-to-pass-up-millions-in-federal-aid-meant-to-feed-children/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  949. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  952. </item>
  953. <item>
  954. <title>The Pandemic, the Recession, and Hunger: What We’ve Learned</title>
  955. <link>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/the-pandemic-the-recession-and-hunger-what-weve-learned/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-pandemic-the-recession-and-hunger-what-weve-learned</link>
  956. <comments>https://blog.feedhopenow.org/the-pandemic-the-recession-and-hunger-what-weve-learned/#respond</comments>
  958. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Krepcho]]></dc:creator>
  959. <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
  960. <category><![CDATA[Coronavirus]]></category>
  961. <category><![CDATA[Hunger News]]></category>
  962. <category><![CDATA[food insecurity]]></category>
  963. <category><![CDATA[hunger]]></category>
  964. <category><![CDATA[meal gap]]></category>
  965. <category><![CDATA[pandemic]]></category>
  966. <category><![CDATA[root causes]]></category>
  967. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.feedhopenow.org/?p=1448</guid>
  968.  
  969. <description><![CDATA[“Just because I have a car doesn’t mean I have enough money to buy food.” This quote, featured in a 2020 New York Times headline, offers a glimpse at the true face of hunger in America – and it’s not what you might expect. For most adults, the touchstone for “economic disaster” in our country [&#8230;]]]></description>
  970. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  971. <p>“Just because I have a car doesn’t mean I have enough money to buy food.” This quote, featured in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/us/food-pantries-hunger-us.html">2020 New York Times headline</a>, offers a glimpse at the true face of hunger in America – and it’s not what you might expect.</p>
  972.  
  973.  
  974.  
  975. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Coronavirus_DisneyTouristBlog6.jpg" alt="Man wearing a face mask load box of food into black pick up truck. " class="wp-image-1084" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Coronavirus_DisneyTouristBlog6.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Coronavirus_DisneyTouristBlog6-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
  976.  
  977.  
  978.  
  979. <p>For most adults, the touchstone for “economic disaster” in our country is the 2007-2009 “Great Recession” – a long, slow slog through high unemployment and financial insecurity. But lessons from that crisis don’t necessarily apply here. Back then, we saw a rise in hunger that was spread out over several years, concentrated mainly in low-income populations that had already been struggling with food insecurity.</p>
  980.  
  981.  
  982.  
  983. <p>Not so during the pandemic. As millions of Americans lost their jobs to closures and layoffs, demand spiked overnight at emergency food providers across the nation. What’s more alarming, many of the families seeking help were facing hunger for the first time. They had never imagined going to a community pantry before.</p>
  984.  
  985.  
  986.  
  987. <p>Today, as we look back from June 2021, it’s easy to feel like the worst is behind us. Vaccines are here. Businesses are reopening, and more people are back to work. Employers have more open positions than they’re able to fill.</p>
  988.  
  989.  
  990.  
  991. <p>But lines at food banks aren’t getting any shorter.</p>
  992.  
  993.  
  994.  
  995. <p>Why? Florida’s low unemployment rate, which is around 6%, is promising, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Employers are hiring, but many available jobs are low wage. People have lost any savings they might have had before the pandemic. And as they try to recover, get out of debt, and find their way back to financial security, food is sometimes a negotiable expense.</p>
  996.  
  997.  
  998.  
  999. <p>After all, you can’t forgo paying the rent. You can’t let the power get disconnected. But you can skip meals to cover the difference – and sometimes, your kids have to skip meals, too.</p>
  1000.  
  1001.  
  1002.  
  1003. <p>Hunger relief programs can help soften the blow by providing fresh groceries, pantry staples, and nutritious meals to families in need. But it’s a challenge to keep up with the increased demand. At Second Harvest, we’re distributing enough food for 300,000 meals a day, double our average distribution before the pandemic. We’re on track to provide more than 100 <em>million</em> meals this year.</p>
  1004.  
  1005.  
  1006.  
  1007. <p>What will it take to get us back to normal? It’s hard to say – but “normal” isn’t what we should strive for.</p>
  1008.  
  1009.  
  1010.  
  1011. <p>Even going into the pandemic, Florida never had 100 percent food security. Despite all our efforts, there was a <a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=about_mapthemeal2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gap in meals</a> – <em>in the multimillions</em> – that left one in seven Floridians food insecure. COVID-19 only cast a harsher light on issues that have always existed in our community: a lack of affordable housing, a rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and a large proportion of our population living paycheck-to-paycheck.</p>
  1012.  
  1013.  
  1014.  
  1015. <p>Recovering from those problems is going to be a marathon – not a sprint. And it will take more than just nonprofits, public officials, and activists: We’ll need the whole community to come together and work toward change.</p>
  1016.  
  1017.  
  1018.  
  1019. <p>If you’re willing to step up and help, you can make an impact. Do you have some extra time on your hands? Sign up (it’s easy to do online) and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways_involved_volunteer" target="_blank">volunteer to pack lunches</a> or sort supplies at Second Harvest’s warehouse. If time is tight, consider <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways_gift_monthly" target="_blank">making a monthly donation</a> pledge instead. One dollar donated allows us to provide <em>nine dollars </em>worth of food to families in need.</p>
  1020.  
  1021.  
  1022.  
  1023. <p><em>This guest column originally appeared in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-hunger-crisis-coronavirus-dave-krepcho-20210622-i4rb4p6axfffjn2lnxzxjxribe-story.html" target="_blank">The Orlando Sentinel</a> on June 22, 2021.</em></p>
  1024.  
  1025.  
  1026.  
  1027. <div style="background-color:#f2f2f2;color:#32373c" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-testimonial left-aligned gb-has-avatar gb-font-size-18 gb-block-testimonial"><div class="gb-testimonial-text"></div><div class="gb-testimonial-info"><div class="gb-testimonial-avatar-wrap"><div class="gb-testimonial-image-wrap"><img decoding="async" class="gb-testimonial-avatar" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/davecrop.jpg" alt="avatar"/></div></div><h2 class="gb-testimonial-name" style="color:#32373c">Dave Krepcho</h2><small class="gb-testimonial-title" style="color:#32373c">President/CEO</small></div></div>
  1028.  
  1029.  
  1030.  
  1031. <div style="text-align:center" class="wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-cta gb-block-cta"><div class="gb-cta-content"><h2 class="gb-cta-title gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c">You can make an impact.</h2><div class="gb-cta-text gb-font-size-32" style="color:#32373c"></div></div><div class="gb-cta-button"><a href="https://www.feedhopenow.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ways" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="gb-button gb-button-shape-square gb-button-size-medium" style="color:#ffffff;background-color:#7ac143">Get involved</a></div></div>
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  1064. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  1065.  
  1066.  
  1067. <section class="gb-block-post-grid featuredpost aligncenter"><h2 class="gb-post-grid-section-title">More Coronavirus Relief News</h2><div class="gb-post-grid-items is-grid columns-3"><article id="post-2780" class="gb-post-grid-item post-2780 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-coronavirus category-food-fund-drives category-hunger-news category-volunteers tag-food-insecurity tag-help tag-helping-others tag-hunger tag-thank-you tag-virtual-food-drive tag-volunteer tag-ways-to-help tag-wkmg entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/glow-sisters-are-getting-results-by-volunteering-donating-and-hosting-virtual-food-drives/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WKMG-Glow-Header.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WKMG-Glow-Header.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WKMG-Glow-Header-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/glow-sisters-are-getting-results-by-volunteering-donating-and-hosting-virtual-food-drives/" rel="bookmark">Glow Sisters are &#8220;Getting Results&#8221; by Volunteering, Donating and Hosting Virtual Food Drives</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2023-04-12T11:11:06-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">April 12, 2023</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  1068. <article id="post-1928" class="gb-post-grid-item post-1928 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-coronavirus category-culinary-training-program category-hunger-news tag-culinary-training-program tag-jobs tag-new-career tag-pandemic entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/charting-a-new-path-thanks-to-you/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Culinary_Elvin2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Culinary_Elvin2.jpg 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Culinary_Elvin2-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/charting-a-new-path-thanks-to-you/" rel="bookmark">Charting a New Path, Thanks to You</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2022-03-17T09:45:00-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">March 17, 2022</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  1069. <article id="post-1921" class="gb-post-grid-item post-1921 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-coronavirus category-hunger-news category-programs-you-support category-stories-of-hope tag-food-pantry tag-pandemic tag-sanford tag-thank-you entry"><div class="gb-block-post-grid-image"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-rebuilding-hope/" rel="bookmark" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="420" src="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hope_Georgia.png" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hope_Georgia.png 750w, https://blog.feedhopenow.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hope_Georgia-300x168.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></div><div class="gb-block-post-grid-text"><header class="gb-block-post-grid-header"><h3 class="gb-block-post-grid-title"><a href="https://blog.feedhopenow.org/you-are-rebuilding-hope/" rel="bookmark">You are Rebuilding Hope</a></h3><div class="gb-block-post-grid-byline"><time datetime="2022-03-15T09:11:00-04:00" class="gb-block-post-grid-date" itemprop="datePublished">March 15, 2022</time></div></header><div class="gb-block-post-grid-excerpt"></div></div></article>
  1070. </div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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  1076. </item>
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