FOOD IS MEDICINE.

The health of our community matters. By improving access to fresh food and nutrition education, Second Harvest Food Bank is feeding inspiration, change, achievement, health —& families facing hunger.

Access to Nutritious Foods

Food is directly related to health and well-being, whether it’s a butternut squash or a hamburger. Unfortunately, kids, families, and seniors trying to stretch a limited budget often remove fresh, healthy food from their shopping carts replacing them with calorie-dense and nutritionally-deficient foods. This approach might keep food in the pantry, but it can lead to chronic, diet-related diseases.

Your support of Second Harvest Food Bank helps increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and dairy products to provide well-rounded meals for our neighbors facing difficult financial choices, like Robin.

“To be honest, I usually don’t have much left after paying for medications and rent,” she explains. Robin lives in a small apartment. She doesn’t drive due to a disability, and she can only afford a few groceries on her limited income.

She looks forward to special deliveries twice a month thanks to you. Through Second Harvest’s Bring Hope Home program, Robin receives perishable and nonperishable food delivered to her doorstep. When she opens the door, she exclaims, “Thank you, so much!” even if the delivery driver has already continued on his route.

Inside the boxes, she finds low-sodium beans, brown rice, and other pantry staples that help build complete meals. She also receives fresh produce, which is her favorite.

“Everything is something I can — and should — eat,” explains Robin. “I didn’t know there were so many different kinds of squash. I love them all and have learned to cook new dishes too.”

This is the healing and restorative power of food that you make possible.

Food is directly related to health and well-being.

Families trying to stretch a limited budget often remove fresh, healthy items from their shopping carts replacing it with calorie-dense and nutritionally-deficient food. This approach might keep the pantry stocked, but it can lead to chronic, diet-related diseases.

Second Harvest helps increase access to healthy foods to provide well-rounded meals. 79.8% of foods distributed through our partners are Foods to Encourage, which includes fresh produce, low-sodium nonperishable foods, lean protein and whole grains.

Need help?

To find a food provider near you, visit the Food Finder.

For community resources, SNAP assistance, and more, click here.

Our Nutrition Position

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, we are working to close the meal gap every day. Because that means more than simply providing calories, we strive to solicit, obtain and distribute as many nutrient-rich foods as possible.

Our warehouses receive a wide range of food products varying in nutritional value every day. We believe that all types of food can fit within a healthy diet and we understand that every individual we serve has food preferences.

Knowing this, we choose not to reject food and beverage donations based on nutrient quality. Through nutrition education and the distribution of nutrient-rich foods, we strive to feed the hungry, help them make healthier food choices and positively impact the health of Central Floridians.

The nutrition position statement of Second Harvest Food Bank incorporates the following concepts:

  • We accept all donated foods
  • All types of food can fit in a balanced diet
  • Individuals exercise choice in food selection
  • We encourage healthy choices

In the coming years, we will continue to expand our reach and strive to make our community healthier by feeding hope, fighting hunger and fueling health.


Food is more than a meal.

Download our brochure to learn how your support helps Second Harvest Food Bank feed inspiration, change, achievement, health — and families facing hunger.

How does food affect health?

Your support helps Second Harvest promote and support the distribution of healthy foods. Learn more by taking the quiz.


FOOD IS…

FAMILY

SUCCESS

MEDICINE

LEARNING

CHANGE


Your $10 gift provides 40 meals to children, families, and seniors experiencing hunger.