food insecurity

Even before the event began, cars were lined up for the combined food distribution and service fair

Hours before the event began, more than 100 cars were lined up in the entryway to the former Sears parking lot at Governor's Square

The number of clients in several counties will go up by about a third under the new program.

For 11 years the sponsor-funded media campaign has raised awareness and cash for food distribution in North Florida.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend noticed food insecurity rise at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And that rate has been sustaining itself ever since.

Beyond the free breakfast, there were numerous service providers on hand to help with everything from longer-term nutrition needs to affordable health care options.

Executive Director Monique Van Pelt was left speechless by the unexpected size of the contribution.

Newly appointed Leon County Commission Chair, Rick Minor, hopes to address hunger in the community. He wants to use data from Feeding Florida to identify the county's top 15 food-insecure areas and connect those residents with resources.

The Second Harvest of the Big Bend has been shipping out 30% more food than usual since the pandemic began. Monique Van Pelt CEO for Second Harvest of the Big Bend says while her service area has always been one of the neediest in Florida, COVID-19 has made it worse.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried has been trying to revive the state's troubled farming sector as its markets have shrunk due to the COVID-19…