Southeast Food Bank giving away food Saturday

In its continuing efforts to meet the food needs of hundreds of needy West Orange County families, the Southeastern Food Bank will hold another "Feeding Families, Feeding Friends" free food distribution from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in Ocoee.  These distribution events are held periodically in various Central Florida counties.

This drive-through food event will serve families in the Ocoee and Winter Garden areas, but people from other areas won't be denied food. People needing food can go to the distribution site, a vacant lot at Silver Star Road and Kissimmee Avenue, where the railroad tracks cross Silver Star. Signs will be posted in the area to direct traffic to the event entrance.

People going for food will remain in their vehicles, and volunteers will load the items in the vehicles as they go through the loading area.  The food was provided by Kroger, Publix, Goya, His Compassion Food Bank in Ocala, and The Freedom Tour in Lake Wales. 

A total of 38 pallets of food worth about $852,000 will be distributed. Each family will get two boxes of non-perishable food produce, bread and supplies.  The food provided is expected to feed a family for three days. 

Approximately 50 staff and volunteers will work the event.

The "Feeding Families, Feeding Friends" food distribution is in addition to the three "Food for Families" events per year, which delivers food to West Orange County in the spring and for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The next Food for Families effort is planned for April. The next Feeding Families, Feeding Friends event is being planned for the next quarter.  Details for both events will be announced when the arrangements are complete.