Meet Melissa

Melissa thought she and her family were on solid financial ground. She and her husband and steady jobs, their bills were paid and their kids were thriving at school.

When the pandemic hit, they both lost their jobs and watched their bank account balance drop weekly as they paid rent, utilities and other bills. Once stay at home orders were lifted, Melissa found an hourly retail job.

"You just start from the bottom and work your way back up," she said, determined to rebuild.

With inconsistent hours and fluctuating income, Melissa reached out for help, something she had never done before - and she's not alone. Each year thousands of local families reach out to Second Harvest and its network of emergency feeding partners to keep food on the table.

When Melissa arrived at Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora, she followed the line of vehicles through the parking lot to where volunteers loaded groceries into her car. Melissa went home with a trunk filled with pantry staples like peanut butter, cereal and canned soups, along with bread, fresh produce and milk.

"I have no idea what we would have done if we hadn't been able to connect with the pantry," says Melissa. “Thank you for being there for my family when we needed you."

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

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