Daytona Beach, Fla. — As the need for food assistance continues to grow across Volusia and Flagler Counties, the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF/UWVFC) is stepping up with both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

Through its recent Community Impact grants, CF/UWVFC awarded $20,000 each to two key partners — The Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties’ Doliner Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida — to strengthen their essential food distribution and hunger relief efforts.

The grants were highlighted during CF/UWVFC’s recent Showcase Tours, which offered an inside look at the operations and community impact of these local food banks. The visits underscored how collaboration, education, and innovation are working together to feed families and combat hunger.

“The need for food assistance is increasing within our community,” said Rabbi Rob Lennick, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties. “Our operations alone have seen a 21–22% increase in need over the past year — and that’s before the SNAP delay. That’s why we established The Jewish Federation Doliner Food Pantry Fund — to ensure sustainable giving and long-term support for families in need.”

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a CF/UWVFC grant supports the Bring Hope Home program — delivering nutritious food to the doorsteps of seniors, individuals who are transportation disadvantaged, home-bound, or immunocompromised. This program is one of the ways that the small but dedicated team of six works to maximize community partnerships to collect, store and distribute food through a network of feeding partners across the region.          

“We have a lady who sends in $1 every month because she realizes the impact that a dollar can make,” said Robert Thomas, Second Harvest’s Branch Director. “Through our Grocery Alliance, that $1 becomes four meals for our community. Every donation — large or small — helps us feed more families.”

As more local households fall into the ALICE category — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — CF/UWVFC is investing in community-driven solutions that meet both immediate needs and build long-term resilience.

“We’re transforming the way we fundraise,” said Courtney Edgcomb, President & CEO of CF/UWVFC. “Our organization is investing in nonprofits that are feeding families today while building sustainable solutions for tomorrow. That’s why we created the Food Security Endowment Fund — to ensure lasting support for programs that strengthen our community and provide food assistance for generations to come.”

With food insecurity affecting more families than ever, CF/UWVFC encourages community members to give generously — whether by supporting local food banks directly or contributing to endowment funds that ensure the long-term stability of these vital programs.

To learn how to give to CF/UWVFC funds for food security, call 386-253-0563. 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR