Central Fla Orgs Unite To Ensure Kids Are Fed Over Holidays

As the holiday season approaches and school cafeterias prepare to turn off their lights, community partners across Central Florida are coming together to make sure one thing never turns off: a child’s access to a warm, reliable meal. 
 
Together, AdventHealth, Orlando Magic and Florida Citrus Sports are providing grants to schools across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to provide meals to the nearly 200,000 students who rely on free and reduced lunch. These grants will help ensure children have access to nutritious food even when school is out. 
 
“For many of our students, school meals are a vital source of nutrition. When schools close for winter break, that need doesn’t go away. Thanks to AdventHealth, Second Harvest Food Bank, the Orlando Magic and Florida Citrus Sports, families can count on continued support during this critical time,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child has access to healthy food and the opportunity to thrive when they are not in school.” 
 
AdventHealth’s most recent community survey found that food insecurity remains one of the region’s most urgent challenges. More than half of school-aged children in Central Florida rely on schools for their daily nutrition — a lifeline that becomes uncertain when schools close for winter break. 
 
To help meet that need, the new AdventHealth "Drive Out Hunger” Holiday Bus will also be traveling to community events, sporting events, schools and hospitals throughout December. At each stop, neighbors will be invited to donate canned goods and non-perishable items, and with the help of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, every donated item will be delivered directly to local school food pantries and community partners. 
 
“Helping children and families feel whole starts with meeting their most basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth. “We're honored to lead such an amazing initiative, one that truly reflects the heart of our community: people and partners uniting to lift up one another and ensure all of our neighbors feel whole this holiday season.” 
 
“Strong schools are built on strong communities, and we are so grateful for AdventHealth who shares our commitment to caring for the whole child,” said Serita Beamon superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools. “Their generous support of our school food pantries will help ensure that students have access to meals when they’re off campus. This investment strengthens our community and provides critical support for our most vulnerable students and families and directly reflects how AdventHealth lives out their mission to care for our community.” 
 
Nearly 590,000 people – including more than 150,000 children — face hunger every day in Central Florida. But it’s collective actions like this that have the opportunity to make meaningful impacts. 
 
“We are thrilled to partner with AdventHealth on this initiative that will benefit many children in the Central Florida community,” said Greg Higgerson, chief development officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “Second Harvest is grateful for AdventHealth’s leadership in the fight against hunger and for uniting so many vital community organizations in support of local students. We are proud to receive these donations and ensure they reach the children and families who need them most this holiday season.” 
 
"Food insecurity remains a major concern in our Osceola County community and remains the primary pre-condition for learning to occur,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Osceola County School District superintendent. “When community partners like AdventHealth, the Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank wrap their arms around our community during this pivotal time for our families, it ensures everyone can have more stability, security and happiness this holiday season. We are grateful for their leadership, generosity and their collective commitment to our children and families.” 
 
For more than 115 years, AdventHealth has called Central Florida home, and as a not-for-profit organization, has the privileged responsibility to invest in our community and care for our neighbors not only within the hospital walls but throughout the community. This holiday season, that commitment continues — extending hope, health and nourishment to families when they need it most. 
 
For the full schedule of Holiday Bus stops and to see which items are most needed, visit www.FeelWholeHoliday.com