Orlando, Fla. (October 2, 2021) — Did you know that one in six children face hunger? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities throughout Florida have faced increased demand for food-insecure families. In Central Florida, the Second Harvest Food Bank doubled the amount of food leaving its distribution center on a daily basis to stock the shelves at local emergency food pantries across six counties in the region.

As part of Florida Blue’s continuing commitment to support programs that focus on the most pressing needs for local communities, like those that impact food security to improve health, development, and well-being, they teamed up with the Orlando Magic to “Block Out Hunger”. Florida Blue donated 10 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for every block the Orlando Magic had throughout the 2020-’21 season.

On Saturday, October 2 more than 200 take-home meals, that feed a family of 4, were given out to members of the local community at a special “Block Out Hunger” event that included cooking demos, haircuts, face paintings, a voter registration drive and Orlando Magic entertainment. Florida Blue and Orlando Magic employees volunteered throughout the event, including handing out the lunch meals for the day.

“This pandemic has hit home for so many of us. These are our neighbors and we must do everything that we can to support them through these challenging times,” said Tony Jenkins Central Florida market president for Florida Blue. “When we partner with organizations like Orlando Magic, who share our commitment in tackling issues like hunger, we can increase our impact and make a greater difference in our community.”

Throughout the pandemic, Florida Blue has stepped up to answer the urgent call to address the alarming rate of those who go hungry in our community. Last year, they contributed 300,000 meals to assist Central Floridians struggling due to the COVID-19 health crisis. This contribution to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida was part of a $2 million initial investment they started making as a result of the urgent health and safety needs across the state as a result of the crisis.

Unfortunately, the numbers are growing and they aren’t showing signs of slowing down. Florida Blue has had a decade-long community partnership with Orlando Magic that previously centered around the former Baskets for Books program. As one of the Magic’s three focus areas and one of Florida Blue’s community pillars, hunger remains a point of emphasis for both of our organizations.

By joining with the Magic, Florida Blue is not only improving food security in the Central Florida community but also raising awareness about this critical need. Florida Blue is helping to ensure that our neighbors have dependable access to quality, healthy food, which is essential to its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health.

Florida Blue Media Contact: Kimberly Brown | 407.639.8135 | Kimberly.Brown@floridablue.com