Key facts
- Lake Cares, a Second Harvest Food Bank partner, organized a mobile food distribution at Lake County Fairgrounds in September that served 623 households with enough food for more than 33,000 meals [1].
- The distribution was held during Hunger Action Month, an annual September campaign uniting neighbors, volunteers, and advocates to ensure food security [1].
- More than 300 Publix employees volunteered during Publix Serves Week, sorting and bagging fresh produce, meat, milk, bread, and shelf-stable items for neighbors [1].
- The event marked the fifth year Lake Cares hosted the distribution with Publix and was the first time organizers needed more than one truck of food to meet demand [1].
- Lake Cares originally planned to serve 500 families, but a second Second Harvest truck arrived to accommodate the larger-than-expected line of cars [1].
A mobile food distribution organized by Lake Cares during Hunger Action Month provided critical support to more than 600 Lake County families struggling with food insecurity. The event, held at Lake County Fairgrounds in September, distributed enough food for more than 33,000 meals to 623 households [1].
“I’m proud of what our community accomplished, and I’m still struck by the need we saw,” said Kelsey Gonzalez, Lake Cares Executive Director [1].
Community Response Exceeds Expectations
The distribution was part of Publix Serves Week, the grocer’s annual community service initiative. More than 300 Publix employees volunteered, sorting and bagging food and loading it into neighbors’ vehicles [1].
Lake Cares originally planned to serve 500 families, but the response was overwhelming. “The long line of cars made it clear to Kelsey that the need was unusually high,” organizers noted. An additional Second Harvest truck arrived within hours to deliver more produce and shelf-stable items, ensuring everyone in line was accommodated [1].
This marked the fifth consecutive year Lake Cares partnered with Publix for the event, and it was the first time organizers needed more than one truck of food to meet demand [1].
What Families Received
Neighbors received a variety of fresh and shelf-stable foods, including fresh produce—potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, grapes, strawberries, and carrots—along with fresh meat, milk, bread, and shelf-stable staples like rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods [1].
For families like Victoria, a Tavares mother who recently moved from Texas, the assistance made an immediate difference. “It will help tremendously,” Victoria said. “We’ll be able to put more money towards bills that need to be paid and still be able to eat.” She noted that the cost of living is high and her family has had to make tough choices. “We won’t have to sacrifice other things for food,” she said [1].
Understanding Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action Month is an annual September campaign that unites neighbors, volunteers, and advocates to ensure kids, families, and seniors have the food resources they need to thrive [1].
“Hunger is something our neighbors face every day, and seeing volunteers, businesses, local agencies and families show up together reminds people they aren’t facing it alone,” Gonzalez said [1]. She added: “I’m grateful we could respond, but those numbers show how many neighbors are struggling to put food on the table” [1].
The response underscores the scale of food insecurity in Lake County and the importance of community partnerships in addressing it. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida continues to work with local feeding partners like Lake Cares to serve families across the region [1].
Frequently asked questions
How many families were served at the Lake County Hunger Action Month distribution?
Lake Cares, a Second Harvest feeding partner, served 623 households with enough food for more than 33,000 meals at the mobile distribution held in Lake County in September [1].
What foods were distributed?
Families received fresh produce including potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, grapes, strawberries, and carrots, plus fresh meat, milk, bread, and shelf-stable items like rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods [1].
How many volunteers participated?
More than 300 Publix employees volunteered during Publix Serves Week, sorting and bagging food and placing it in neighbors’ vehicles [1].
What is Hunger Action Month?
Hunger Action Month is an annual September campaign that unites neighbors, volunteers, and advocates to ensure kids, families, and seniors have the food resources they need to thrive [1].
Sources
- Hunger Action Month Food Distribution Feeds more than 600 Lake County Families – Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 2026-09-29
Compiled by Central Florida Lifestyle from official sources. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Comments