Second Harvest Central Florida working hard to help those hurt by the shutdown
Updated: 8:26 PM EDT Nov 1, 2025
At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the sound of boxes being sealed signifies another family will have food tonight as the government shutdown continues.Greg Higgerson, chief development officer of Second Harvest, highlighted the anxiety in the community, noting that about half a million people in Central Florida rely on SNAP to some degree.As the shutdown persists, Higgerson said families are increasingly turning to food banks like Second Harvest for help.”We have also seen a real uptick of searches on our website for people needing help and going to our food finder tab,” Higgerson said. “It’s an interesting time.”Second Harvest provides millions of meals across Central Florida, with volunteers packing food every week. However, this time, their work feels more urgent.Volunteer Craig Marijanich emphasized the support available, saying, “There is always somewhere to go, someone is always able to assist, you are not alone.”Higgerson noted that donations and volunteers are currently keeping food flowing, but if the shutdown continues, they expect even more families to seek assistance.”We need a quick resolution to this as soon as possible because this is the one thing that people must have to live and thrive,” Higgerson said.
CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA —
At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the sound of boxes being sealed signifies another family will have food tonight as the government shutdown continues.
Greg Higgerson, chief development officer of Second Harvest, highlighted the anxiety in the community, noting that about half a million people in Central Florida rely on SNAP to some degree.
As the shutdown persists, Higgerson said families are increasingly turning to food banks like Second Harvest for help.
“We have also seen a real uptick of searches on our website for people needing help and going to our food finder tab,” Higgerson said. “It’s an interesting time.”
Second Harvest provides millions of meals across Central Florida, with volunteers packing food every week. However, this time, their work feels more urgent.
Volunteer Craig Marijanich emphasized the support available, saying, “There is always somewhere to go, someone is always able to assist, you are not alone.”
Higgerson noted that donations and volunteers are currently keeping food flowing, but if the shutdown continues, they expect even more families to seek assistance.
“We need a quick resolution to this as soon as possible because this is the one thing that people must have to live and thrive,” Higgerson said.