"For Seasons has been a literal lifeline for me, and I am most grateful."
At 5 a.m., before the sun rises and six hours before the food pantry opens, a line begins to form outside the humble doors of For Seasons Food Bank. Those who get there first see how long the line becomes and are scared - scared that those at the end of the line won't receive enough food. During a time when grocery prices soar and wages don’t seem to be enough, For Seasons is a lifeline for families struggling to make ends meet, and this lifeline is right here in our community: Winter Park.
Hosted at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Winter Park, the pantry is set up as a small market to provide choice to clients and includes refrigerators and a freezer to increase the amount of fresh and healthy food options. For Seasons Food Bank has grown to serve record numbers, growing from only 12 people to over 150 each week in just over 18 months.
Today, the food bank remains 100% volunteer-operated, run by people who give their time and hearts to make sure no one goes hungry. However, the rising number of people in need means the risk of a completely empty pantry is evident. “Many of our clients are hard working people that work full time and still cannot make ends meet. We have several people that rush to the pantry on their lunch hour hoping they can get through the line in time to get back to work. We also have many clients with health conditions that make it difficult for them to work,” says Jennifer Brown, the President of For Seasons Ministries.
For many families who visit For Seasons, the constant rise in living costs means they are not just losing groceries—they are losing hope. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the demand will be even greater, but without enough donations, some families may go without the comfort of a warm meal on such a special day. Jennifer adds, “Last year with a large corporate donation and additional small donations we were able to buy 120 turkeys. This year, we don’t have that yet and are expecting to need 200 turkeys this year. Many people who used to be able to donate money or food items can no longer do that because they are now struggling financially themselves. We never thought it could get worse than last year... until we lived through this year.”
How you can help:
1. Financial Contribution: A financial donation is one of the most powerful ways to support For Seasons. Due to their partnerships, they can purchase food at heavily discounted rates, meaning your dollar goes further than going to the grocery store yourself. Instead of bringing a single bag of groceries, your donation could provide entire meals for multiple families. Food is purchased, distributed and restocked weekly, and a financial contribution is the way that makes the most consistent impact to the individuals in line each week.
2. Host a Food Drive: Whether you’re part of a business, school, or local organization, you can help by organizing a food drive. A collective effort from your community could help ensure the pantry is stocked and ready with enough food for all families in line.
Visit forseasonsministries.org to make a difference today. No matter the size, collectively your efforts matter.