Feed The Children will bring eight semi tractor-trailers full of food and personal care items to help 3,200 Orlando-area families on Wednesday, June 16. The truckload distribution will start at 9:00 a.m. at The Central Florida Fair Grounds (4603 West Colonial Drive). Orlando Magic Community Ambassadors, former NBA players Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw will attend the distribution to help hand out boxes to families.
The distribution is the latest stop on Feed The Children’s Americans Feeding Americans Caravan, which has helped more than 100,000 families across the country in cities that have been affected by the nation’s economic downturn. An additional 100,000 across the nation are targeted to receive assistance by the end of this year.
Nearly one in four Orlando children is considered impoverished, and 41,410 children are below the poverty line in Orange County—enough to fill the Amway Arena nearly 2.5 times. Orlando is ranked fifth in the nation for cities with highest food hardship percentages. The state of Florida is not far behind with a ranking of 12th in the nation for states with the highest food hardship percentages.
Feed The Children partner agency, The Salvation Army of Orlando, pre-identified the 3,200 recipient families. Each family will receive a 25-pound box of food, a 10-pound box of personal care items and a box of Avon products. The boxes are designed to help a family of four for up to one week.
“The Americans Feeding Americans project is geared toward families who are suffering during this economic downturn,” said Tony Sellars, spokesperson for Feed The Children. “Many of these families were considered middle class a year ago. The rules have now changed. A lot of these people for the first time in their lives have not been able to provide for their families. We appreciate The Salvation Army and the teamwork that helped make this distribution in Orlando possible.”
To see the impact of Feed The Children’s Americans Feeding Americans Caravan in your area visit www.AmericansFeedingAmericans.org .
