Second Harvest Combines Two Powerful Initiatives

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 16, 2023) – Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently streamlined its social enterprise division, which includes A Spoon Full of Hope and Catering for Good, to operate as one entity: Plate Above Catering. The move aims to generate more funding for local workforce development efforts.
 
Since launching in 2013, Plate Above has served nearly 147,000 guests across 3,400 events – generating incremental financial support for Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program.
 
“Hospitality is one of the top economic drivers in Central Florida,” said Nancy Brumbaugh, Chief Food Service Officer at Second Harvest. “Not only does the Plate Above team stand ready to provide the highest quality customer service and some of the best-tasting bites in Central Florida, but every order also helps support neighbors as they pursue a career in the food service industry.”
 
Revenue generated through every Plate Above contract directly funds Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program, a free continuing education training course for eligible adults looking to work or advance within the food service sector. It costs around $7,000 per student to complete the 16-week course that teaches employability skills needed for the local job market. To date, 455 graduates have completed the program and entered the workforce.
 
Plate Above is led by award-winning Chef Jill Holland and sales manager Lanette Jarvis. The social enterprise will continue to offer full service onsite or offsite catering, buffet-style drop-off or pickup, and à la carte menu options, as well as holiday meals to go. The signature product line of locally sourced honey, shortbread cookies and edible cookie dough can be added as packaged favors for guests.
 
For more information about hiring Plate Above for an event, visit www.PlateAbove.com.
 
About Plate Above Catering (Plate Above)
Plate Above is a full-service catering company with a mission to provide memorable experiences through delicious food. From weddings to corporate events, intimate anniversaries to community-wide gatherings, Plate Above offers customizable and innovative offerings. Led by award-winning Chef Jill Holland, Plate Above’s from-scratch cuisine and best-in-class service creates an unforgettable taste experience that is a favorite amongst clients. Learn how Plate Above can help you create a memorable event at www.PlateAbove.com.
  
About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFBCF)
SHFBCF is a member of Feeding America – the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. SHFBCF secures and distributes food and grocery products to more than 625 local nonprofit feeding partners throughout Central Florida. Through the help of food and financial donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributes 300,000 meals every day to a seven-county service area. Feeding neighbors facing hunger is only the beginning. By investing in job training programs, advocating for access to nutritious foods, and inspiring our community to get involved, SHFBCF is leaning into the root causes of hunger and helping our neighbors thrive. With support from the Central Florida community, Second Harvest Food Bank is feeding inspiration, change, achievement, health — and families facing hunger. To learn more about SHFBCF, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.