Michael Lawrence
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 38 million Americans, including 12 million children, experience food in-security. That is why for the second consecutive year, Florida Blue has teamed up with the Orlando Magic to “Block Out Hunger.” This partnership is the result of Florida Blue’s continuing commitment to support programs that focus on the most pressing needs for local communities, like those that impact food security to improve health, development, and well-being.
Through this initiative, Florida Blue donated 10 meals to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for every block the Orlando Magic had throughout the 2021-’22 season. This equated to 3,670 meals. Plus, another 6,496 meals were donated through various on-court contests and promotions.
On Saturday, September 17th an additional 1,600 meals were distributed to families in the community as part of a special “Block Out Hunger” event held at the Iglesia Generación de Fé that included chef hat decorating, face painting, photo booths, SNAP & IDignity sign-ups and Orlando Magic entertainment. Florida Blue and Orlando Magic employees volunteered throughout the event, including to hand out the lunch meals for the day. Between this year’s in-season promotions and Saturday’s recent event, a total of 11,766 meals were donated through this partnership.
“Between the pandemic and continuing rise of food costs, our neighbors need our help and support like never before. Florida Blue and our Florida Blue Foundation is proud to step up in these difficult and challenging times and, together, has committed $8.5 million throughout the state in support of food security and hunger in 2021/2022. By teaming up here locally with the Orlando Magic, we’re not only improving food security in our community, but also raising awareness about this critical need. This is essential to our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health,” said Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market President for Florida Blue.
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