Marion County nonprofits in the news

Congressman Maxwell Frost and Second Harvest president and CEO Derrick Chubbs, sixth and seventh from left, pose with the donation. [Photo courtesy Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida]

Second Harvest awarded $200,000 in federal appropriations funding

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, which serves seven counties in Central Florida, including Marion, recently received $200,000 in federal appropriations. On May 13, Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL 10th) presented Second Harvest president and CEO Derrick Chubbs with a check.

The money will help the food bank purchase a new thermal energy storage system, which will increase the efficiency of its commercial freezer. The technology will also stabilize freezer temperatures in the event of equipment failure or power outages during natural disasters and better protect food from spoiling. This upgrade strengthens Second Harvest’s ability to continue distributing high volumes of frozen foods and other perishable goods to neighbors facing hunger and the energy cost savings will be invested in purchasing additional food to distribute to the community, the news release noted.

One in eight Central Floridians, and one in five children, is at risk of experiencing hunger on any given day. Second Harvest is the region’s largest food bank and distributes enough food for 300,000 meals a day, according to the release.

To learn more, go to feedhopenow.org

SECO awards scholarships

SECO Energy has announced its 2024 SECO Energy Scholarship awardees. Each of the 12 students will receive $3,000 to advance their education. SECO Energy’s scholarship program targets local students who will attend a Florida college, university or trade school. The Marion County students are Fabian DeJesus-Colon and Eden Thomas, both at West Port High School; Ramiya Blackwell of Ocala, Wildwood Middle-High School.

The applicants were judged on their scholastic record (weighted GPS), school/community activities and financial need. Consideration was given to applicants whose stated major was a degree in technology, business, engineering or mathematics, especially as they relate to the energy sector. Relevant majors include, but are not limited to, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, nuclear, environmental, civil, agricultural/biological, industrial, materials science and various branches of mathematics.

SECO Energy Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors graduating in May or June of the current year who live in a home served by SECO Energy. The awardee must enroll as a full-time student in an accredited Florida college, university, or trade school before the end of 2024.