By Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation is pleased to welcome Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (Second Harvest) to our Grantee Blog. Second Harvest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, storing, and distributing donated food to more than 870 feeding partners across seven Central Florida counties.
Courtesy of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
At Second Harvest, our mission to create hope and nourish lives is at the heart of everything we do. Our programs address immediate hunger needs and empower individuals to pursue sustainable careers in the food industry through training—a valuable skillset to have in a region known for its hotels, parks, and resorts.
Read on to discover our recipe for a hunger-free future—one that leans into our committed community to transform lives and fuel futures for our neighbors.
Step 1: Empower Individuals through Culinary Training
Our Culinary Training Program is a beacon of hope for many in Central Florida. Participants gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, learning culinary techniques and life skills that prepare them for success in Orlando’s dynamic food industry. Graduates of the program often secure full-time employment, helping to create economic mobility for themselves and their families.
Step 2: Connect Communities with Fresh Produce
Access to fresh produce is essential for a healthy diet, yet it often remains out of reach for the more than half a million individuals facing hunger in central Florida. With support from the community, Second Harvest ensures that nutritious fruits and vegetables are available to those facing hunger, with distributions happening every day at multiple locations throughout the community.
Through our network of feeding partners—including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers daycares, and more—and through mobile food distributions, our community comes together to provide enough food for 300,000 meals every single day.
Step 3: Deliver Hope Directly at Home
For individuals who are homebound or have limited mobility, accessing food can be a significant challenge. The Bring Hope Home Program addresses this need by bringing nutritious fresh food and nonperishables directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most. This service not only alleviates hunger but also provides a sense of connection and care to isolated individuals.
Step 4: Creating A Hunger-Free Future for Central Florida
Every meal distributed, every training session conducted, and every delivery made by Second Harvest is a step toward a future where hunger is no longer a barrier. By engaging with food industry partners, financial donors, volunteers and community leaders, Second Harvest advocates and supports solutions that not only relieve food insecurity but address the root causes of hunger.
We envision a Central Florida where everyone has access to the food and resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Until that vision is realized, we remain committed to our mission and grateful for the support of our community!
About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores, and distributes donated food to more than 870 feeding partners in seven Central Florida counties: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia. Last year, with the help of numerous donors, volunteers, and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributed enough food for 82 million meals to partner programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, day care centers, and Kids Cafes. In addition to helping feed the line of our neighbors who need help, Second Harvest also transforms dozens of lives directly every year through programs like the Culinary Training Program and SNAP assistance. For more information, please visit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.