A West Orlando food distribution organized by Southeastern Food Bank helped more than 700 families as rising gas and grocery prices drive more Central Florida residents to seek food assistance.

Each year, families leave non-perishable food items near their mailbox on the second Saturday in May. Letter carriers pick up the donations during their routes and the food is then taken to local food banks and organizations for distribution.

Dozens of volunteers came together Friday to distribute 500 holiday meals to support families during the winter break.

Officials in Lake County announced the return of its “Food for Fines” initiative. which allows residents to have library late fees forgiven in exchange for food donations.

Community and church leaders in Eatonville banded together Wednesday to help feed their fellow neighbors in need ahead of Thanksgiving.

The holidays are the perfect time to give back to the community and there are a plethora of opportunities in the Central Florida area for you and your family.

Meridian Christian Academy, Carter Tabernacle CME Church and Mt. Olive Church will be distributing 1,000 bags of food Thursday, July 2. Tameka Thomas, Founder of Meridian Christian Academy says volunteers from all three organizations will be on hand to distribute fruit, vegetables and an assortment of other food in a drive through setting. "We're in the middle of a food desert," Thomas said. "Kids are out of school and for many of them the meal they would get there is the best they'll get."

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Volunteers spent Saturday morning handing out free meals to more than 500 families who are struggling to make ends meet months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Lamar Smith, the president of Link Up Central Florida, said that's a sign there is still a need to help families during the coronavirus pandemic. "These are desperate times and to be able to provide for so many families during this pandemic, it really does something to me," Smith said. It was held in partnership with Farm Share, Feed the Need Florida, and Careplus. Families picking up free meals said they are thankful for this help and called it a blessing.