Central Florida was hit hard by the economic downturn in 2008. The unemployment rate more than doubled forcing many companies to close their doors and lay off thousands of local employees. Many residents, who had never required assistance before, found themselves in need of support to simply make ends meet.

The Community Food & Outreach Center, headquartered in downtown Orlando, helps families by giving them access to food, children’s clothing, and ultimately by helping them to get back on their feet through a variety of crisis services and educational programs. The organization was established in 2009 with the mission of assisting individuals and families in need of a “hand up, not a hand out” during their time of financial strain.

Families turn to the Community Food & Outreach Center as a result of many different situations and points of devastation. Some come through the Crisis Center where they find a compassionate ear to listen objectively to their plight, and may then receive food, clothing, or referrals to partnering agencies. Others, struggling to get by week to week, find relief by participating in the low-cost grocery program. Ultimately, the solution for many families is found right within themselves through the “Passport to Prosperity Program”. This program is designed to coach individuals with essential life tools through a number of workshops, such as Financial Literacy, Computer Literacy, Self-Esteem and Empowerment, and Healthy Self-Concepts. During the summer months, a hunger relief program is offered to school-aged children who also participate in similar development workshops with an emphasis on literacy and family stability.

Families like the Neves come to the Community Food & Outreach Center every day. Irma Neves is a single mother of two disabled teen boys, Sergio and Lucas. The family’s income only consisted of a minimal amount of child support, since both children’s Social Security Disability payments had been temporarily suspended. As a result, their home was facing foreclosure, medical coverage had lapsed, and the family had limited resources for food, gas and other basic necessities. Under the guidance of the Community Food & Outreach Center, Ms. Neves was able to apply for food stamps through the Center’s partnership with ACCESS Florida, obtain Medicaid coverage to resume essential medical care for her sons, and save their home from foreclosure thanks to Florida’s Hardest Hit, another remarkable partner.

Although the recent economic crisis has created many stories of struggling children and families, it has also uncovered the character and compassion of people and organizations throughout Central Florida. The Community Food & Outreach Center has helped over 10,000 families like the Neves, thanks to the generosity and sacrifices of churches like First Baptist of Orlando and Discovery Church that provided thousands of dollars in donations, in addition to rallying hundreds of area volunteers. Knowing that every contribution helps, companies like The Orlando Solar Bears, Chick-fil-a, Spraker Wealth Management, Wal-Mart, Pepsi-Frito-Lay, and many others have also offered financial, in-kind, and/or volunteer support.

When historians look back at this economic crisis and its effects on local communities, the Community Food & Outreach Center believes the story will reflect how Central Florida was suddenly struck by a catastrophic level of need, but thanks to a monumental level of compassion and kindness, help was delivered to the hungry, the homeless, and those fighting to overcome their challenging circumstances. The Community Food & Outreach Center continues to expand its services and plans to establish a new children’s clinic, domestic violence program, counseling center, and expanded hunger relief and crisis programs.

With hundreds of families still seeking services each and every day, your support is needed more than ever. You’re invited to tour the Community Food & Outreach facility to learn how you and/or your company, church, or family can become good Samaritans by helping your Central Florida neighbors. Visit CommunityFoodOutreach.org.

Get Involved with Community Food & Outreach!

October 25^th 12 pm – 1:30pm

• Rebuilding Broken Lives Friend & Fundraising Luncheon

October 26^th 7 pm – 11 pm

• Citrus Club Classic Halloween Party

October 27^th 7 pm-10 pm

• Cows ‘n Cabs

November 3^rd 12 pm– 3 pm

• Christ’s Church Unity “Survive to Thrive” Event

November 20^th 9 am– 11am & 1 pm – 3 pm

• Thanksgiving Distribution

December 1^st and 2^nd 7 am – 7 pm

• Hunger Free Holiday Radiothon on WDBO