On September 18th, Linda Lewis, Volunteer and Ambassador for the Second Harvest Food Bank and member of LWV of Orange Coast, presented an overview of this organization via Zoom, in honor of “Hunger Action Month”. Key points:
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Second Harvest was founded in 1983, originally as part of St. Vincent de Paul. Our Distribution Center and 40-acre farm are based in Irvine at the Great Park.
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Over 267,000 individuals in Orange County are food insecure (1 in 12), including over 64,000 children (1 in 11). (Source: Feeding America)
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We distribute nutritious food throughout Orange County through a PARTNER NETWORK of over 250 organizations at over 300 food distribution sites; e.g., houses of worship, schools, after-school programs, colleges and universities, senior centers, shelters for the unhoused, soup kitchens, etc.
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We obtain food from donations, through partnerships and contracts with government food programs, from our farm (producing 40,000 lbs./week), and our “Grocery Rescue Program,” which rescues food from major grocery stores (before it is too late to sell).
We can only accomplish this with the tremendous support of the O.C. community. How you can help:
1) Volunteer in our Distribution Center or Harvest Solutions Farm - www.feedoc.org/volunteer
(Videos show what it’s like to volunteer at the Distribution Center and the farm)
2) Host a virtual food drive - www.yourfooddrive.org
3) Make a donation – www.feedoc.org/donate
A recent article in the OC Register connects our mission to end food insecurity with HAT’s objectives. I look forward to sharing how this project progresses. OC Register article: “Orange County’s charitable food network shifts into new, streamlined era” Version 2.0 of the OC Hunger Alliance merges groups involved in housing, health care and data. Leaders say food soon could connect people in need to many social services.
"More jobs and cheaper housing can help reduce food insecurity."
For subscribers: https://www.ocregister.com/2024/08/04/orange-countys-charitable-food-network-shifts-into-new-streamlined-era/
Please feel free to contact me for more info.
Linda Lewis
Volunteer and Ambassador
Second Harvest Food Bank
League [at] lwvorangecoast.org
