ORLANDO, Fla. – For the first time in its 43-year history, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is hosting a 24-hour hunger relief marathon.
The “Hunger Never Sleeps” event kicked off Thursday at the organization’s distribution center on Mercy Drive, where hundreds of volunteers worked around the clock to sort and pack more than 100,000 boxes of food in a single day.
Second Harvest provides about 300,000 meals daily across seven Central Florida counties. Leaders say the demand for food has not slowed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Folks in our community are facing hunger 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” said Dan Samuels, director of philanthropy. “The whole goal of Hunger Never Sleeps is to build awareness, encourage our community to get involved, and help our neighbors thrive no matter what time of day, no matter what day of the year.”
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Organizers suggest those unable to volunteer can participate by making a $24 donation, symbolizing 24 hours of action.
“The reality is one in seven of our neighbors right here in Central Florida is at risk of going to bed hungry at night,” Samuels said. “That’s more than half a million people who may not know where their next meal will come from.”
Second Harvest said both donations and volunteer support remain critical as the nonprofit works to keep pace with the ongoing demand.
If you’re in need or would like to volunteer, visit FeedHopeNow.org.