The number of people seeking food assistance in our community continues to rise. Today, 187,940 children struggle with hunger – an 8.9 percent increase over last year. In response to this growing need, the Winter Park community is renewing its effort to end hunger in Central Florida. You may recall that Feed the Need, presented by Florida Distributing, Mayflower Retirement Community and Winter Park Memorial Hospital, is not your average food drive. It is an unprecedented community-wide effort to raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
In 2013, the first of its kind collaboration raised $100,000 in 22 days. You can help keep the momentum going. You can start a team, host an event or donate online. The Feed the Need campaign will officially kick off on Friday, October 31, at City Hall with campaign partners, including City of Winter Park, Rollins College, Sodexo, Think Creative and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. From November 1 – 21, the campaign will unite local residents, businesses, faith communities and civic groups through online giving, friendly competitions, community events and individual fundraising efforts, with one mission in mind: To feed the need.
With the generous support of Ruth’s Chris and Mitchell’s Fish Market, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting “Happy Hour for Hunger” on November 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Winter Park Village. Don’t miss this fun evening featuring live entertainment, drinks and appetizers provided by your favorite Winter Park Village restaurants, with all ticket proceeds going to the cause.
For more information on Feed the Need, to participate in any of the events or to join our virtual food drive, please visit www.feedtheneedwp.org.