This significant investment represents a pivotal moment in the company's continued growth strategy, positioning Pacific Seafood to enhance its trade capabilities across North and South American markets. more

Thousands of jars of peanut butter are finding their way into Florida homes thanks to the annual Peanut Butter Challenge, a statewide effort led by UF/IFAS Extension. This year’s campaign collected more than 44,000 pounds of shelf-stable food, turning small donations into meaningful support for families facing hunger. more

A University of Florida study has found that dollar stores can worsen food access in some urban neighborhoods—especially those with only one grocery store. While overall effects are small, certain communities experience significant declines in food availability when new dollar stores open. more

With school cafeterias closing for winter break, Central Florida organizations are stepping in to make sure children who depend on free and reduced lunches still have access to nutritious meals. Through grants, food drives, and community outreach, partners are working to prevent hunger for families across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. more

Jersey Mike’s Subs is opening a new location at 1637 Rock Springs Road in Apopka on December 3, led by franchise owners Julio Cayo, Joseph Fischer, and Eli Johnson. The grand opening includes a five-day fundraiser where customers with a special coupon can donate to the Children’s Tumor Foundation in exchange for a regular sub. more

More than half a century before Plymouth’s famous 1621 harvest celebration, Spanish colonists in St. Augustine held a thanksgiving mass and communal meal with the Timucua people. But as historians point out, several 16th-century ceremonies—Spanish, French, and beyond—preceded the Pilgrims without evolving into the modern holiday tradition. more

Most Americans would barely recognize the meal served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Based on the only surviving eyewitness letter and Wampanoag oral histories, the feast centered on waterfowl, venison, corn-based dishes, and seafood — with none of today’s iconic sides or desserts. Waterfowl – not turkey – would have been the main course. Winslow Homer, 'Right and Left' (1909), National … more

While Americans celebrate the Pilgrims’ 1621 feast as a symbol of cooperation, events that unfolded months later in Virginia reveal a far more consequential origin story. The 1622 Powhatan uprising and the brutal English retaliation better reflect the dynamics that defined early colonial America. more

A Thanksgiving meal doesn’t end when the dishes are cleared — and neither do the food safety risks. UF food safety expert Keith Schneider explains how a few simple precautions can prevent holiday leftovers from becoming health hazards. more

Thanksgiving brings people together around great food, but it also creates ideal conditions for foodborne illness if safety is overlooked. With a few simple precautions, families can avoid unwelcome microbes and keep their holiday gatherings healthy. more

Wekiva High School’s Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts has been awarded a $5,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to expand its culinary and restaurant management program. The funding will be used to launch a student-run mobile ice cream business, giving students real-world experience in entrepreneurship and food service. more

 While Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a unifying American ritual, its popular origin story has long excluded key parts of the nation’s religious and cultural history. A fuller understanding reveals how Indigenous traditions, Puritan practices, and 19th- and 20th-century politics have shaped the holiday—and how these narratives have sometimes divided Americans rather than bringing them together. more

University of Florida researchers have harvested the state’s first successful crop of Pierce’s disease–resistant wine grapes, opening the door to a potential large-scale Florida wine industry. The breakthrough, supported by a collaboration with Château Le Coeur, produced the state’s first bottles of wine made primarily from Florida-grown, disease-resistant hybrid grapes. more

Wekiva High School turned into barbecue central on November 8 as it hosted Sonny’s BBQ’s 2nd Annual Jr. Pitmaster Class and Competition, bringing together five high school culinary teams for hands-on training with professional pitmasters. more

Apopka and Orange County are marking Veterans Day with a full slate of events and perks, including ceremonies at Kit Land Nelson Park and the Orange County Administration Center, as well as free admission to museums and attractions, restaurant deals, car washes, and grocery discounts. Beyond the holiday, veterans also have access to property tax relief, state park benefits, county support services, and emerging AI-driven hiring tools designed to better recognize military experience. more

The federal government’s sudden halt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding on Nov. 1, 2025, has disrupted a vital safety net that helps tens of millions of low-income Americans buy food each month. As courts order the release of November’s $8 billion in benefits, experts warn that the modest payments many recipients rely on are already stretched thin by rising costs of living and persistent poverty. more

Throughout November, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is inviting shoppers to “round up” their purchases to help feed local families. All proceeds will go directly to Second Harvest Food Bank, with Goodwill matching community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. more

Orange County is partnering with local nonprofits to address the sudden suspension of federal SNAP benefits, which leaves thousands of residents without vital food aid. The county plans to seek state assistance, reallocate local funds, and rally donations to keep families fed during the shutdown. more

October marks the height of pumpkin season in the U.S., when farms harvest thousands of acres of colorful gourds and the pumpkin spice craze takes over. From ancient Native American gardens to modern-day coffee cups, pumpkins have long symbolized the harvest, community, and comfort of fall. more

Thousands of Floridians could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues. Officials warn that funding for SNAP benefits may run out within two weeks. States have already been told to pause November benefit processing, heightening fears of widespread food insecurity. more

Florida’s avocado industry faces a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd), a disease that can stunt trees, deform fruit, and silently spread through groves. UF/IFAS researchers are urging growers, nurseries, and homeowners to remain vigilant, test trees, and follow strict sanitation practices to protect the state’s prized avocado crops. more

The Peanut Butter Challenge returns to Orange County, aiming to top last year’s record of nearly 4,000 jars collected for local food pantries. Donations not only help neighbors in need but also highlight Florida’s peanut industry, proving that a small jar can make a big difference. more

Halloween arrives earlier each year, and Americans stock up on candy and decorations well before October hits. According to Instacart, candy orders on Halloween were 100% higher than average in 2024, with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups topping the charts and candy corn continuing to divide the nation. more

After five years of bringing craft beer, pizza, and community gatherings to downtown Apopka, Three Odd Guys Brewing announced it will close its location on October 31st. more

Before throwing away your carved pumpkin, consider turning it into something delicious and healthy. Fresh pumpkins and their seeds are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and magnesium, making them versatile ingredients for everything from pies to roasted snacks and savory dips. more