Based in Orlando, Florida, Health Plan Markets is a family-owned business run by Justin Jacobs. Through its outreach efforts, Health Plan Markets contributes to local food banks.
There are over 25 food banks in the Orlando area, and at least 10 of them are administered by churches. For instance, the Society of St. Andrew has a Potato and Produce Project that redirects thousands of pounds of unmarketable (but otherwise good) produce and vegetables to food banks, soup kitchens, and more.
Some other nonprofit organizations in the area include the Human Crisis Center, which serves individuals in need and those without permanent housing and focuses its efforts on quick response in times of disaster. Its food pantry is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Salvation Army located on West Colonial Drive also offers a food pantry open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Both organizations strongly encourage individuals to call and double-check the hours before visiting.
A listing of Orlando food banks is available online at www.foodpantries.org/ci/fl-orlando.
