A Community Coming Together: 2,500 Central Florida Volunteers Build Over One Million Meals at Light Orlando Hunger Project

A Community Coming Together: 2,500 Central Florida Volunteers Build Over One Million Meals at Light Orlando Hunger Project

On Saturday, August 23rd, the Central Florida Fairgrounds was buzzing with excitement as more than 2,500 volunteers gathered for Light Orlando’s 3rd Annual Hunger Project. Together with US Hunger, we set out with one bold goal: build one million meals in a single day. And guess what? With the help of our amazing volunteer family, we crushed it, packing 1,023,675 meals for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity across Central Florida.

“This is a true example of neighbors helping neighbors.” – Rick Whitted, CEO, US Hunger

A Day of Service and Celebration

The day kicked off in waves of blue, with Light Orlando’s signature volunteer shirts filling the fairgrounds. Throughout the day, volunteers worked assembly-line style to build and box veggie pasta meals for over 50+ Central Florida charity partners. By the end of the first shift (8:30AM-11:00AM), volunteers had packed over 500,000 meals. Volunteers from the second shift (11:30 AM–2:00 PM) wrapped up the project strong, pushing us past the million-meal mark!

True to the Light Orlando spirit, there was no shortage of dancing, laughter, and joy along the way. Volunteers enjoyed an upbeat, fun atmosphere thanks to DJ Ramces Rouzard of In The Mirror Entertainment, who kept the music going and made the day feel like a celebration of community.

“We can’t do this without you. We see your effort today; we see your light. Thank you for being here. Thank you for making Light Orlando what it is today.” – Troy Wright, Program Officer, Light Orlando

Meals with Impact

The meals built that day are already being distributed through 59 Central Florida organizations (Full list Here), These partners are making sure the meals go directly into the hands of individuals and families who need them most, those struggling with food insecurity.

Food insecurity is more than just hunger, it’s not knowing where your next meal will come from. According to US Hunger, factors like access to healthcare, job stability, education, and community resources all play a role. Every meal packed at this event sends a powerful message: you are seen, you are cared for, and you are not alone.

Thank You for Bringing the Light

This year’s Hunger Project was the biggest one yet- record-breaking volunteers, record-breaking meals, and record-breaking hope. It proved once again that when a community comes together, big things happen.

To every volunteer, partner, and donor: thank you for making this day possible. We couldn’t have done it without you.

We are already looking forward to our next Annual Hunger Project! We can’t wait to see what we achieve again, together.

“I had the opportunity today to volunteer with Light Orlando, and I had an amazing experience. I feel fulfilled, I feel giddy, I got to dance and sing, and help make one million meals for people who need it!” – Olivia, Light Orlando Volunteer

View the Event Gallery Here.

Organizations which received Donations:

Action Church

United Against Poverty

Orlando Union Rescue Mission

Army of Angels

Foundation for Life Ministry

Making a Difference by Making the Change Foundation

Wrk Daily

Dorothy Liv Foundation

K&S Farms

Butterfly Lifestyles

Christian Help

Serenity’s Grace

Covenant House

Howard Philips Center for Women and Children

Path Light House

Matthew’s Hope

Young Lives Neighborhood Center

New Image Youth Center

Orlando Day Nursery

Edgewood Children’s Ranch

Latisha’s House

Clarita’s House

Nemours Hospital

Unforsaken Pantry

Leesburg Stake

Islamic Center of Central Florida

One Heart for Women and Children

Hope Center of Central Florida

Eight Waves

Salvation Army

Kinneret Council on Aging

Christian Service Center

Catholic Charities

Children’s Home Society

The Russell Home

Coalition for the Homeless

The Hope Church

YMCA

Help Now

The Sharing Center

Well of Hope

Family Promise

Christian Care Center

Sevita Group Home

ARC (Salvation Army)

Cornerstone Connection

University of Central Florida

Pineapple Pantry

Dorca’s Way

Love, Groveland

He River

New Jacobs Chapel

Lake Cares

Beyond the Walls

Find, Feed, Restore

The Salvation Army Lake County

South Lake Cares

Seeds of Hope

Caring Hands

For Additional Light Orlando Volunteer Opportunities, visit our Events page.

To search for volunteer opportunities near you, visit JustServe.org