Local

Organizations partner up to keep students fed during summer months

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Channel 9's Nancy Alvarez found out what's being done to keep central Florida children from going hungry during the summer months.

Most families are excited about the start of summer vacation, but for some parents it can be a struggle to provide decent meals while school is out.

"It's a blessing because right now I'm unemployed," one mother told WFTV.

Between 30 and 40 families receive groceries from a pantry at Christian Help in Casselberry each day.

"There's a gap all year long that needs to be met, and in the summertime is one of those parts of the calendar when we see it in a pronounced way," said Greg Higgerson, with Second Harvest Food Bank.

Each week, up to 55,000 people receive food from agencies and organizations in central Florida, and now a major effort is underway to keep their shelves stocked during the summer.

Goodwill Industries and Second Harvest Food Bank have partnered for a food drive to provide for the need that many families will face during the summer months.

"It's a lot more challenging. They're in the house more and they're eating more," another parent said.

For the families in need, the help is life-changing, but it can't happen unless the community steps up and donates.