- December 13, 2025
The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties recently awarded $20,000 each to two local food bank.
The grants for the food banks — The Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties’ Doliner Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida — were awarded during CF/UWVFC's recent "Showcase Tours," which offered an look at the food banks' operations and community impacts, according to a press release.
“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, the grant supports the Bring Hope program, which delivers food to seniors, individuals who lack transportation, and those who are homebound or immunocompromised. This program, the press release states, is one of the ways that the 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 states that it is "investing in community-driven solutions that meet both immediate needs and build long-term resilience." The nonprofit encourages the community to support food banks, by donating directly or contributing to endowment funds that benefit these programs.
“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.”
