
ORLANDO, Fla. – During this year’s season of giving, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is highlighting its sustainability-centered client partnerships that have produced a positive impact on local nonprofit organizations.
Most recently, two of its clients collectively donated nearly 200,000 lbs of food to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
At the beginning of October, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) contributed 3,588 lbs of food to Second Harvest Food Bank. Later that month, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)’s Global Produce and Floral Show set aside 196,285 lbs of food for the organization.
“As one of the largest convention centers in the U.S., we continuously encourage and empower our clients to implement sustainable initiatives during their event,” says OCCC executive director Mark Tester. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of IFPA and FNCE to prioritize these food donations that have created a significant impact on our local community.”
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida secures and distributes food and grocery products to more than 625 local nonprofit feeding programs in seven central Florida counties, including Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, and Marion.
During the Center’s 2020-2021 fiscal year, nearly $220,000 worth of food and merchandise, including approximately 13,725 lbs of food, were donated to local organizations, including Great Oaks Village, Libby’s Legacy, United Against Poverty, One Heart for Women and Children, and Orange County Public Schools.