Central Florida families gathered at Lake Eola Park on Saturday for the annual Feed-A-Palooza event, where organizers distributed food and essential supplies while connecting residents with community resources aimed at addressing food insecurity and other needs.

Community Support

Hosted by One Heart for Women and Children, the event is designed to fight hunger while providing families with access to services that can help them beyond a single day. The nonprofit continues that mission throughout the year, partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to host monthly mobile food distributions across Central Florida.

In addition to food, families received diapers and other essential supplies while representatives from local organizations offered health screenings, addiction recovery information, and additional community services. Local businesses also participated in the event, including Jeff’s Bagel Run, which provided free samples to attendees.

For One Heart for Women and Children’s founder, Stephanie Bowman, the event reflects her own experience with hardship. According to Dylan Schimk, Bowman was once homeless less than two miles from Lake Eola with her two youngest children and envisioned creating an event that would bring people together while offering meaningful support.

Organizers said they hope Feed-A-Palooza leaves families with more than groceries by connecting them with long-term resources and a stronger sense of community.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.