ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of volunteers came together on Saturday to deliver much-needed food to some of the most low-income neighborhoods in West Orange County.  

What You Need To Know

  • Southeastern Food Bank delivered 1,000 banana boxes filled with food and essentials to low-income families in west Orange County

  • The organization distributed more than 6.3 million pounds of food last year but faces rising costs and declining donations

  • Hundreds of volunteers participated, motivated by faith and a commitment to serving those in need

The Southeastern Food Bank (SEFB) hosted its 33rd annual Food for Families event, providing nourishment to families struggling with rising food costs and economic hardships.

The organization, which operates year-round, delivered 1,000 banana boxes filled with food and essentials to mobile home parks and apartment complexes where food insecurity remains high.

The event was one of three annual food distribution efforts — held in the spring, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — serving thousands of families across Central Florida.

“Reach people through their bellies, but we’re really trying to tell them about God. And that’s the main thing,” said Kenny Majors, a volunteer and longtime supporter of SEFB. “A lot of people are just not open to it. But when you befriend them, it’s a phenomenal way to do it."

According to SEFB, food insecurity has worsened in recent years, with more families struggling to afford basic necessities. Last year, the organization distributed more than 6.3 million pounds of food across 25 counties in Florida, serving more than 150,000 families.

“Involvement now with people volunteering is really important for them as well as us,” said SEFB Founder and CEO Mark Anthony. “We delivered over 1,000 boxes today.”

Each family received a 27-pound banana box of groceries, along with baked goods and paper products, valued at approximately $65.60 per household. The food was expected to sustain families for three to five days.

Despite the overwhelming need, SEFB remains one of the few organizations that provide food entirely free of charge.

“We look for nonprofits to serve, and we’re a Christian organization, so we like to bring people and help them because everybody has challenges,” Anthony added. “The last few years have been a little crazy for people.”

Many of the volunteers at the event were motivated by their faith and a strong commitment to serving their community.

“I’ve worked for 25 years with different churches, organizations, and mission trips around the world,” said Majors. “A lot of times, we don’t realize what we’ve got in America until you’ve been overseas.”

Majors, like many others, sees his volunteer work as a calling.

“God has forgiven me and loves me, and that’s what I’m commissioned to go do. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

While SEFB continues to meet the growing demand for food assistance, the organization is facing challenges of its own. Donations of both food and money have declined, while operational costs have risen significantly.

Still, the team of five SEFB staff members and approximately 300 volunteers remain committed to the cause.

With food prices on the rise and more families in need, SEFB is urging the community to help through donations or volunteering.