Wawa and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida are working together to provide food for more than 53,000 households. A $1 million grant from Wawa to Second Harvest hopes to increase the amount of fresh produce accessible to many families.
Wawa and Second Harvest’s “Fly Beyond; Inspiring Goodness with Food” pilot program employs two of Second Harvest’s childhood hunger prevention initiatives: the School Partnership and Summer Food Service programs. In addition to enabling Second Harvest to purchase and distribute produce, the funding will allow Second Harvest and Wawa to do the following:
Beginning in June, Summer Food Service program enhancements include:
A weekly take-home bag filled with fresh produce and other pantry staples
Special visits from The Wawa Foundation’s Community Care Vehicle distributing free coffee and other refreshments
Beginning in Fall 2023, The School Partnership enhancements include:
Transform the Kids Pack initiative into a Family Weekend Meal Bag full of nutritious foods and providing approximately 10 meals per household
Wawa will create customized display carts with reusable and insulated tote bags at 35 Fresh Market Schools making it easier for students to grab fresh produce on their way home.
Add 10 new Fresh Market sites at local schools
“Through this first-of-its-kind investment, Wawa is ensuring children in Central Florida have access to the nutritious wholesome food they need to thrive,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO of Second Harvest. “Inflation is causing more families to make difficult decisions about what they can afford, and this partnership can help lessen worries about food costs.”
“Fueling up takes on a whole new meaning with ‘Fly Beyond,’ said Robert Yeatts, Sr. Director of Florida Operations for Wawa. “We hope this new pilot program inspires goodness by making fresh, healthy foods conveniently available to families to create nutritious meals at home without worrying about how to afford it. Having greater access to fresh produce will improve the ability of kids in our communities to learn, lead and succeed.”
Throughout the year, Wawa’s Nutritionists will create recipes that feature many of the food items being distributed. So far, recipes include Mushroom Saute, Pear Grilled Cheese, Beet Salad, and so many more. Recipes can be found online at the “Fly Beyond” landing page. The “Fly Beyond” landing page also includes important details around how to store, prepare, and cook fruits and vegetables like asparagus, kale, lemons, and strawberries.
Wawa and Second Harvest intend to use the “Fly Beyond” pilot program and results as a road map for collaborations with other food banks or for others to implement similar programs.
This is not the first time Wawa and Second Harvest have collaborated. When Wawa opened their first Florida location in 2012, they invited Second Harvest to partake in the celebration. At that event, Wawa committed to opening five stores in five weeks and to raining $25,000 to help those facing hunger. Since then, Wawa and Second Harvest have partnered up to donate funds, hold an annual “Check Out Hunger” campaign, and provide gift cards to distribute to neighbors. Wawa has also donated excess food from their warehouses, volunteered at Second Harvest distribution centers, and offered free food and drink to volunteers.
For more information about how to support hunger relief efforts across Central Florida, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.
