Fairwinds Credit Union, a WFTV 9 Family Connection Community Partner, will be participating in a food drive to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Second Harvest is a private organization that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 500 nonprofit feeding programs in Central Florida.

The demand for food has reached an all-time high at Second Harvest, and now matches the needs that arise during storm recovery and disaster relief periods. Many families across Central Florida are experiencing the economic crunch and have turned to the food bank for assistance. Second Harvest is in need of both food and funding in order to continue distributing to area charities. For every dollar donated, Second Harvest is able to provide up to four meals. Meals high in protein are in greatest demand including tuna, peanut butter, soups and stews.

As part of FAIRWINDS' ongoing commitment to serving the Central Florida community, the credit union is hosting the "FAIRWINDS Fight Against Hunger" campaign. All 37 FAIRWINDS branches, spread over Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia and Lake counties will serve as drop off locations for food and monetary contributions Monday, June 23 through Thursday, July 3 at all FAIRWINDS branches. For a complete list of branch locations and hours, visit www.fairwinds.org.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a member of America's Second Harvest – the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. The organization secures and distributes food and grocery products to approximately 450 agencies that feed the hungry throughout Central Florida. Last year, SHFBCF distributed more than 17 million pounds of grocery products – the equivalent of more than 9 million meals – to partner agencies.

Fairwinds Credit Union is the largest financial institution based in Central Florida, with assets approaching $1.8 billion, more than 147,000 members and nearly 600 employees. The financial cooperative established in 1949 is open to anyone living or working in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Osceola, Polk, Brevard or Lake counties, including The Villages. Membership also is available to family of members who live outside the seven eligible counties. For more information, visit www.fairwinds.org