Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida receives $1.3 million from Bank of America to fight food insecurity

In Central Florida, one in eight people and one in five children live in households that are considered food insecure. As the effects of inflation persist, hunger relief organizations in Orlando and across the country face increased demand for their services and rising food prices. Since the inception of their partnership, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has received more than $1.3 million from Bank of America Central Florida to fight food insecurity, equivalent to over 5.2 million meals in the local area.

Earlier this year, Bank of America announced a $25,000 donation worth 100,000 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida from the bank’s employee booster campaign. Second Harvest received an additional $50,000 from the bank in late 2022 for its Culinary Training Program, a 16-week program that fosters critical career and life skills, such as budgeting, effective communication, teamwork, and time management. Students complete two courses to receive two certifications that are widely accepted within the food and hospitality industries. Over 400 students have graduated since the program's inception, with a job placement rate of 95% and job retention rates above the average compared to similar programs from across the country.

Second Harvest Food Bank distributes enough food for 300,000 meals each day through its network of 625 community feeding partners. For every $10 donated to Second Harvest, the organization can provide 40 meals to the community.

“We’re extremely grateful to Bank of America for its long-standing partnership in the fight to end hunger here in Central Florida,” said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO at Second Harvest Food Bank. “As a result of inflation, more and more families do not have the financial independence to make critical decisions and find themselves choosing between paying for housing, utilities, food, medicine, or even an unexpected expense. Bank of America’s contributions help Second Harvest – and its network – to continue feeding hope.”

“Secure access to food is a critical issue for families,” said Steve Alch, president, Bank of America Central Florida. “That is why we are investing in the health and wellbeing of our neighbors by fighting food insecurity.”

Nationally, the bank has committed nearly $19 million to food banks and hunger relief organizations through its employee booster campaign efforts. Since 2015, Bank of America has donated nearly $150 million toward hunger relief efforts.

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida 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.