(WTXL) — The spread of COVID-19 is affecting us all, especially families facing food insecurity as schools remain closed.
Because of the pandemic, some people can't work and the need in our area skyrockets every day.
Just this last past week, Feeding Florida reported a 25 - 70 percent increase in food assistance needs statewide. At Second Harvest, they've seen a big spike in traffic to their website during the past week.
But, you can help through Feeding Hope.
Feeding Hope is a partnership between ABC 27 and Second Harvest of the Big Bend.
Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., call 850-727-5207 to make a donation to give hope to those in need across the Big Bend. Or you donate online right now at FightingHunger.org/Hope.
During this time of increased need, Second Harvest is also conducting drive-thru emergency food distributions. You can find out more about those distribution events here.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend serves three of the top four most food insecure counties in the state: Madison and Gadsden, both tied at 22.2 percent, and Leon at 19.7 percent.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 56,000 people were food insecure in Leon County; almost 100,000 people were food insecure in our 11-county Big Bend service area.
