ORLANDO, Fla. — Nearly 200 families got a big boost Saturday with the help of Second Harvest Food Bank and the City of Orlando.
Volunteers at the event passed out boxes of food to those in need, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to claim more jobs in Central Florida.
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“We know people in our community are really hurting right now,” said Kelly Quintero with Second Harvest Food Bank.
A total of 180 families who are struggling due to the pandemic lined up in their cars to receive a bounty of food, including boxes of produce, cans of beans and other items that were donated with the help of the public’s goodwill.
These families would typically be doing OK on their own right now.
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“We’re seeing new folks who have never been to the food bank coming to us,” Quintero said. “Whether they were just furloughed from a position or lost their jobs.”
Orlando city leaders were on hand to help pass out the food, including Orlando Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale, Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz and Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón.
“It goes to show that anywhere a food distribution like this is set up you see, literally, hundreds of people coming out to get something,” Rolón said. “There is a great need across our entire community.”
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Because traditional Hispanic Heritage Month events were canceled this year due to the pandemic, organizers tried to make Saturday’s event as festive as possible.
“This is a celebration,” Ortiz said. “So… we are going to utilize (the occasion) so that people feel the spirit because as I’ve said before, the pandemic is not going to stop us from doing what we do best in the City of Orlando.”
City leaders said if you or someone you know is having difficulty putting food on the table, do not hesitate, and get help right now.
They say to call the city, and they’ll get you in touch with people who can help.
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