It’s no secret that hunger is a growing challenge in Florida communities. From local leaders to community organizations, many feel called to step up—but where do they begin? We sat down with Patti DeLaCruz, Director of Agency Relations at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, to talk about how food pantries get started, how they become part of a larger network, and the unique role school-based pantries are playing across the state. Join us to learn how food moves from the food banks through our communities.
Read Full News PostFrom Farm Fields to Food Bank -- Peanuts are more than just a tasty snack or a key ingredient in peanut butter sandwiches—they’re also an important crop for Florida farmers and a vital food for families across our state. Recently, we sat down with Gregg Grimsley, President of Peanut Proud, to learn about how peanuts are grown in Florida, why they matter, and how peanut butter helps food banks keep families fed.
Read Full News PostFlorida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, along with state Senate President Ben Albritton, visited Feeding Tampa Bay to announce the Farmers Feeding Florida program. “We have food insecurity all over this state,” Simpson said. State lawmakers and the governor approved $38 million in the recent state budget for the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative. $28 million is meant to buy excess crops and milk from Florida farms, which food banks will distribute. $10 million is to expand food banks and pantries, especially in rural areas.
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