Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has expanded its Bring Hope Home program, increasing access to food for homebound residents across six Central Florida counties. By bringing delivery operations in-house, the food bank now reaches 1,200 people each month, up from approximately 400 before the expansion.
According to an Oct. 15 announcement from Second Harvest, the program now operates eight refrigerated vans and employs six drivers to deliver groceries directly to residents who face challenges accessing traditional food assistance.
Although Second Harvest works with more than 800 partner agencies across its service area, transportation and mobility barriers can prevent some residents from visiting food pantries. Bring Hope Home helps address that gap by delivering food to seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and other individuals who have difficulty reaching food distribution sites.
The program serves residents in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
Home Deliveries Expand Access to Fresh Food
The transition to in-house delivery operations has allowed Second Harvest to reach more households while changing how groceries are distributed.
Previously, participants received fresh produce and shelf-stable foods on alternating weeks. With the expanded delivery system, recipients can receive both types of food together, giving them more ingredients to work with when planning meals.
Managing deliveries directly also allows the organization to build stronger connections with the people it serves and reach additional residents who may have been waiting for assistance.
Brian Serra, senior director of nutrition at Second Harvest, said the approach helps ensure that deliveries provide more than groceries by reinforcing a sense of community and support for recipients.
The use of refrigerated vans also supports the delivery of fresh food to people who might otherwise struggle to obtain it.
Partnership Supports Expecting and New Mothers
Bring Hope Home also includes a maternal health initiative developed in partnership with Orlando Health. The program serves 450 expecting and new mothers, providing nutritious food options and resources to help participants prepare healthy meals.
Food offerings emphasize items such as whole grains and lean proteins, along with lower-sodium and lower-sugar options when available. Participants can also access a digital recipe book through a QR code, offering guidance on preparing nutritious meals with the foods they receive.
According to Second Harvest, enrollment for the maternal health initiative is continuing as the program works to connect more eligible patients with food assistance.
The partnership reflects the food bank’s broader efforts to address food insecurity while supporting nutrition and health among Central Florida families.
Food Deliveries Make a Difference for Homebound Residents
For people with limited mobility or transportation, receiving groceries at home can help make consistent access to food possible.
Second Harvest shared stories from participants who rely on Bring Hope Home for regular food deliveries. Susan, a Volusia County senior who has difficulty standing for extended periods, described the deliveries as a welcome source of support.
Another recipient, Janet, looks forward to her deliveries and appreciates receiving fresh produce. Rita, a retired resident living with disabilities and transportation challenges, said the assistance helps her maintain access to food during periods when obtaining groceries on her own would be difficult.
By managing its delivery operations directly, Second Harvest aims to use its resources more efficiently while extending assistance to more people in need.
The expansion comes as the organization continues working to connect Central Florida residents with nutritious food through its network of community partners and direct-service programs.
For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and its food assistance programs, visit feedhopenow.org.
