Five of Orange County’s cities were ranked among the country’s wealthiest this spring. But if so many families and individuals are doing so well, why are there more than 335,000 people who go hungry every month in Orange County? Why are one in five of these individuals, Orange County children? Why are almost 45% of Orange County seniors unable to afford even basic necessities?
There is a stark contrast between the prosperity and need in the OC, and Orange County’s Second Harvest Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, has a well-developed and widespread system in place, to attempt to ameliorate the hunger of these members of our community. Their mission is direct: “To end hunger in Orange County”. Their vision: “To create a future where no one goes hungry. Ever.” They not only provide food, but ground their work in values of advocacy, education, sustainability and innovation.
Since its founding in 1983, Second Harvest has provided more than 350 million pounds of donated and surplus food to local charities, or the equivalent of 291 million meals. For every $1 donated they help provide 3 meals for hungry children, seniors and families.
To learn more about Second Harvest and to get involved visit https://www.feedoc.org/volunteer/