Congressman Frost Tours Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently welcomed U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost for a tour of the Orlando warehouse.
 
During the March 17 visit, the Congressman saw local hunger relief efforts in action and heard why increased funding for programs like TEFAP and SNAP is vital for the one in eight Central Floridians experiencing food insecurity. The current U.S. Farm Bill will expire this year, making it a major focus for lawmakers.
 
“It’s important that we meet people wherever they may be,” said Stephanie Palacios, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at Second Harvest. “That’s why we’re hoping Congress will bump TEFAP funding to $715 million a year, which will allow food banks across the country to purchase, store and distribute greater volumes of healthy meal options to hungry neighbors. Inflation is making it harder for more and more families to cover their monthly expenses.”
 
Through its network of more than 625 community feeding partners across seven counties, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is distributing enough food for 300,000 meals a day – a level first experienced at the height of the pandemic.
 
“Our Central Florida communities are grateful for all the work that Second Harvest does to help working people and families keep food on the table during the most difficult times,” said Congressman Frost. “Every single person in our state deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing where your next meal is coming from. I look forward to working with our partners and agencies at the federal level to make sure we can do more to support these efforts.”
 
In addition to discussing the impact of government-funded food assistance programs, Congressman Frost heard about Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program, School Markets Program and the organization’s Health & Hunger initiatives.
 
For more information about Second Harvest and how to support local hunger relief efforts, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.