Second Harvest Food Bank preparing 22,500 meals for shelters in Central Florida

From Second Harvest

Hurricane Irma Information

In times of disaster, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and its network of 550 agency partners represent a vital emergency food supply for the community. The food bank stands ready to provide extended relief service to storm victims in Brevard, Volusia, Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake Counties. Currently Second Harvest is working on preparing 22,500 meals for six shelters in Central Florida.

Second Harvest works closely with Feeding Florida, State and County Emergency Operations Centers and other local agencies to pinpoint the areas of need in each county. By funneling donations of food resources through Second Harvest, contributors can be certain their support is reaching the most affected areas in the most effective way. Additionally, the Darden Foundation Community Kitchen at Second Harvest Food Bank will prepare and supply thousands of meals daily for distribution to sites throughout the affected area.

Local community support will be needed in the form of donations after the storm. Second Harvest is part of Feeding America, which provides a highly effective way to quickly direct large quantities of food resources from around the nation to our area if needed. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Emergency Resources

Florida Disaster

County specific shelter database, school closures, power outages map

The Florida Emergency Information Line

1-800-342-3557 is a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida.

Be informed: Hurricanes

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a hurricane watch or warning alert. Great tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

Food Assistance

If you find yourself in need of assistance after the storm, please call our main phone number 407-296-1066 and we will help you locate a feeding partner nearby.

In addition, you can find a list of Community Resources here (pdf download).

How To Help

After the storm, ways for the local community to help Second Harvest help people in need are very specific:

Food and cleaning supplies donations:

Non-perishable food donations and cleaning supplies can be delivered to our distribution center in Orlando at 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, Florida 32805. (see attached list of needs).

Volunteers: Visit our Volunteer section to see opportunities.

Donation Drop-offs:

Donations Drop-Off Hub: Second Harvest Food Bank, 411 Mercy Drive Orlando, Fla. 32805

PLEASE CALL AHEAD: 407-295-1066

Please come in through the entrance on Mercy Drive and proceed straight to the loading dock area to drop off donations.

TYPES OF GOODS NEEDED:

Basic Categories:

Canned Goods

Cleaning Supplies

Cooking items

Personal Care

Bottled Goods

Charcoal/Sterno

First Aid Supplies

Paper Goods

Flashlights/Batteries

Dry Goods

Water & Ice

Infant Care items

Level 1 Priority (in addition to basic categories)

Peanut Butter

Assorted drinks

Cooking items

Jelly

Cereal

Paper Goods

Canned Meats

Canned Fruits & Veggies

Bread

Diapers

Baby Formula ∓ Food

Snacks

Bleach

Cleaning supplies

Level 2 Priority (in addition to other categories)

Cookies & Crackers

Toilet Paper

Feminine Hygiene

Instant Coffee/Drinks

Toothpaste & Brushes

Non-perishable milk

Tea Bags

Soap

Deodorant

Shampoo

Candy

Staples (sugar, salt)