Food bank merger announced

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the region’s largest hunger relief network, is set to expand into Marion County by merging with First Step Food Bank, Inc., based in Ocala, which has served the community since 1992.

First Step Food Bank works in partnership with 48 food pantries in Marion County, including soup kitchens and a children’s backpack program. The organization’s goal is to eradicate hunger locally.

According to a news release from Second Harvest, “Converting to branch operations not only strengthens the current infrastructure but expands marketing and fundraising support. This merging of the two organizations will lead to increased food availability, resulting in a reduction of the current food gap, which has grown throughout the county and nation over the past few years. According to Feeding America, 47,350 people in Marion County experience food insecurity at some point during the year.”

Second Harvest’s new Marion branch, which will continue to operate out of First Step’s campus at 4045 NE 36th Ave. in Ocala, will provide additional support for food-insecure residents while increasing local revenue to fund hunger relief and prevention initiatives. In addition, Second Harvest plans to make a variety of secondary hunger relief programs available to Marion County citizens. Initiatives for hunger relief, such as Kids Café and the Summer Food Service Program, which have been successful in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Brevard counties, will be introduced over time, the release notes.

“Our board of directors carefully examined the Second Harvest merger offer in conjunction with a Feeding America study recommending the same,” said Stewart Robinson, with First Step Food Bank. “The board unanimously agreed that the merger would better meet the widespread, expanding food insecurity needs in Marion County.”

“Our goal is to join the established network of local partners to assist in their efforts of providing solutions to hunger in Marion County. Not only will this new branch expand access to fresh, nutritious meals for our neighbors, it will continue to build on the many years of dedicated hunger relief work by First Step Food Bank,” said Derrick Chubbs, with Second Harvest, in the announcement.

In addition to Mercy Drive and Mercy Kitchen warehouses in Orlando, Second Harvest operates branches in Volusia and Brevard counties. To learn more, visit feedhopenow.org.

First Step Food Bank is not open to the public but gives tours upon request. The warehouse schedules daily pick-ups for local food pantries. Food and monetary donations are always welcome. Visit firststepfoodbank.org to make a donation online or mail a check to First Step Food Bank, Inc., PO Box 4774, Ocala, FL 34478.