Red Rocket Studios (RRS) kicked off the new year with a mission to make meaningful contributions to our community and give back to causes that our employees care about and champion. As part of our annual Team Volunteering Day, we came together to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a non-profit powerhouse dedicated to collecting, storing, and distributing donated food to over 750 feeding partners across seven counties in the region.

In Central Florida, 12.3%—or one in eight people—live in households with food insecurity. That’s why Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has made it their mission to create hope and nourish lives through a powerful hunger relief network. Each day, the food bank distributes 300,000 meals to local pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers, and childcare programs, truly, embodying the essence of community support in action.

Recognizing the tremendous effort and impact of this local non-profit, the RRS team gathered at Feed Hope Now to dedicate a day of service. Together, we sorted 7,259 pounds of meat and created 6,500 meals for individuals and families facing hunger in our community.

One of the volunteers was Maria Pedraza, whose personal connection to Second Harvest Food Bank inspired members of our team. “For me personally, it is my choice organization to serve, as they helped me and my family many years ago,” says Pedraza. “They hold a special place in my heart and my family, and we pay it forward every year.”

While most of the RRS team focused on sorting frozen foods and preparing meal packages, Maria and Tracy, another RRS team member, worked to break down and recycle boxes. In fact, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida not only addresses hunger, but also fosters a more sustainable way to serve our community. The organization salvages safe-to-eat food for our hungry neighbors and employs innovative recycling practices to ensure minimal waste and promote healthier environments.

“It was a lot of fun, knowing that we made a difference in such a short amount of time,” says Pedraza. “It’s easy for anyone to feel the need to return and do it all over again.”

Hunger continues to be a chronic crisis within our community. However, with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the action of community members, we can make a difference. Because every contribution, no matter how big or small, can mean the difference between an individual going to bed hungry or an individual feeling cared for, supported and nourished.

Learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and discover ways you can give back here. Together, we can make a difference!