A Community Coming Together: 2,500 Central Florida Volunteers Build Over One Million Meals at Light Orlando Hunger Project
- Amanda Selby
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
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