DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Families across Central Florida are paying more at the grocery store while cuts to SNAP benefits leave many struggling to make ends meet. As demand at food banks rises, one man in Daytona Beach is stepping in to help ensure no one goes hungry.
James Roper recently donated enough food to push his total contributions to more than 20,000 pounds. That’s the equivalent of 10 tons of groceries going to food pantries across the region.
“I’ve been on the receiving side,” Roper said. “I’ve been at a food pantry, hoping I get a loaf of bread. It’s nice to be in a position now where I can give back.”
Second Harvest Food Bank says demand for assistance has surged since pandemic-era benefits expired. With inflation driving up food, gas and rent costs, families are turning to food banks at record levels.
“In Central Florida, one in seven people are food insecure,” Erika Spence with Second Harvest said. “That means they don’t know where their next meal is coming from or don’t have reliable access to food.”
September is recognized as Hunger Action Month, and food banks nationwide are urging people to donate, volunteer or start local food drives. Second Harvest says even small acts, like donating a “buy one, get one free” item from the grocery store, can make a difference.
For Roper, the mission is personal.
“A lot of people need a hand up, not a handout,” he said. “I see my role in this puzzle as helping people help themselves.”
To help donate and be apart of Second Harvest Food Bank, visit https://feedhopenow.org/