📦Want meals? Seize a field from these Central Florida libraries without cost, no questions requested

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida – Summer time is right here and whereas some households could also be excited concerning the finish of the varsity 12 months, others are working tougher to make ends meet with their youngsters at residence.

One of many biggest wants: meals.

However there’s a program that provides pantries without cost and all it takes is a go to to the native library.

“I've acquired a spot to remain, just like the music says, a roof over my head, footwear on my toes. I want meals on the desk,” stated Anna Chintaman.

For Anna Chintaman, 73, it's all about independence. So she left the Chickasaw Department library carrying a field filled with meals.

“Having extra meals takes the burden off me as a result of it’s at all times wanted and issues are tougher to get today,” Chintaman stated.

In partnership with the Orange County Library System, Second Harvest Meals Financial institution of Central Florida delivers stacks of packing containers every week to varied branches all through Orange County to assist these in want.

“We’re seeing that one in eight of our neighbors are going hungry for a wide range of causes,” stated Erika Spence, communications supervisor for Second Harvest Meals Financial institution of Central Florida.

Spence stated one of many most important causes is inflation. That’s one thing that, in line with Ángel Aloneso, makes it tough for him and his household to make ends meet.

“It's a very good expertise as a result of it helps individuals locally just a little bit. It gained't cowl all the pieces for the household however even [a box of food] “It's an enormous assist,” Aloneso stated.

The packing containers are delivered on a first-come, first-served foundation to anybody and freed from cost. Each Tuesday morning at 5 OCLS branches. There is no such thing as a paperwork to fill out. Reservations will not be needed. You don't even want a library card.

This system is funded by Orange County Authorities and gives roughly one week of non-perishable meals reminiscent of pasta, beans, canned meat, pancake combine, greens and extra to assist feed households and inventory empty pantries. The meals is anticipated to final an individual a few week. The library, a privileged place for neighborhood members.

“We need to be the place the individuals are. If it isn’t handy so that you can entry meals at a meals pantry that’s miles from your house, however the library is a part of your routine, we need to be there,” Spence stated. “It makes me really feel nice that we are able to help our neighbors by means of no matter challenges they face, whether or not it's lack of revenue, lack of housing or lack of a partner.”

Victoria Zacktan has been making the most of the free meals packing containers after her husband handed away.

“When he died, I misplaced a second regular revenue, so it's been very scarce, and figuring out that this useful resource is right here has actually been useful to me,” Zacktan stated. “Folks have to benefit from it.”

Listed here are the branches the place the meals packing containers are delivered each Tuesday at 10 am

Chickasaw – 870 N. Chickasaw Path – Orlando FL, 32825

Fairview Shores – 902 Lee Street, Suite 26 – Orlando FL, 32810

Hiawassee – 7391 W. Colonial Drive – Orlando FL, 32818

Northern Orange – 1211 E. Semoran Blvd. -Apopka FL, 32703

South Path – 4600 S. Orange Blossom Path – Orlando FL, 32839

This summer season, Orange County Public Faculties Meals and Vitamin Providers will tour your metropolis to supply free meals to youngsters and youth beneath 18 years of age.

OCPS cellular lunch autos are a part of the USDA's summer season meals service program, Summer time BreakSpot. Lunches will solely be supplied to youngsters and younger individuals beneath 18 years of age. Meals should be consumed on the premises. This establishment is an equal alternative supplier.

Lunch is served Monday by means of Friday (no meals can be served on Wednesday, June 19, or Thursday, July four).