Orlando food bank prepares for influx of families from Puerto Rico

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida said it needs more food donations to prepare for the holidays and an expected influx of new residents from the hurricane-ravaged island of Puerto Rico.

The food bank said it expects the need to increase in the coming month in south Orange County and throughout Osceola County.

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"If they're going to be staying with friends and family, that puts an added strain on the household budget," said Dave Krepcho, the food bank's president. "We're going to be deploying what we call mobile pantries, so we can get more food down there more quickly to people in need."

The food bank seeks more food donations and volunteers to offset the increased demand.

A drive-through food drive will be held Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Ace Cafe Orlando, which is at North Garland Avenue and West Livingston Street in downtown.

Donors are asked to give non-perishable, unexpired food items. Those who donate 10 food items will be given a ticket voucher for America's Cake Fair, which will be held next weekend at the Orange County Convention Center.

Cox Media Group