Meet Matilde

When Matilde lost her job in Atlantic City, she asked herself, "What’s next?" She knew she wanted a better life for herself and her kids. She and her daughters found a new home in sunny Orlando.

"Unemployment is not a job," she said. "I want to work, to have a safe place to live, and be part of something to makes others happy."

At a job fair, she connected with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. She enrolled in the 16-week Culinary Training Program. Over the next few months, she learned confidence, self-discipline, cooking techniques, new cuisines, and life skills to help her succeed in Central Florida’s foodservice industry.

At graduation, Matilde went looking for a job and found a lot more. Today she works at Rollins College Dining Services where she puts her knife skills to use at the salad station, chopping lettuce, tomatoes, and a multitude of toppings, while nourishing hardworking college students.

"It may seem small, but to me, this was a big deal," says Matilde. "And it’s not just one life my life that changed. It’s my whole family. Thank you."

Inspired to help more of our neighbors facing hunger like Matilde? Find ways to help!

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