Meet Carlos

Like many of our neighbors in Central Florida, Carlos works in the hospitality industry. Without guests filling hotel beds, workers like Carlos have had their hours cut and, in many cases, they’ve been furloughed or laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Carlos’s main concern was for his two school-aged daughters who rely on breakfast and lunch at their elementary school. With school closures, rent due, and other bills starting to pile up, Carlos and his wife faced several tough choices.

“I’ve never asked for help before. I didn’t know where to start,” he explained.

He turned to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for help. He was able to pick up a COVID-19 emergency relief box, which included nonperishable foods like peanut butter, soup, canned vegetables, beans and pasta. This gave him an immediate relief knowing there would be food on the shelves for his daughters.

Second Harvest also connected Carlos with an emergency food pantry in his neighborhood. By working with a network of 500 feeding partners across six Central Florida counties, furloughed workers, families facing tough financial decisions and seniors on fixed incomes can access the nutritious foods they need close to home.

The economic impact on our community has been tremendous and a heightened level of need will persist for months to come. Thanks to you, our neighbors like Carlos are feeling a sense of relief with each meal.

Inspired to help more of our neighbors like Carlos? Find ways to help!

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