ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — As the holiday season approaches and school cafeterias prepare to close for winter break, Central Florida organizations are joining forces to ensure that thousands of local children continue to have access to nutritious meals.

AdventHealth, Orlando Magic and Local Partners Mobilize Holiday Bus to Support Food-Insecure Families. Orlando, Florida, Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News

AdventHealth, the Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank are providing grants to support schools and food pantries across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, benefiting the nearly 200,000 students who rely on free and reduced-cost lunch during the academic year.

Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)

“For many of our students, school meals are a vital source of nutrition. When schools close for winter break, that need doesn’t go away,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child has access to healthy food and the opportunity to thrive when they are not in school.”

COMMUNITY IMPACT & EXPANDING SUPPORT

AdventHealth’s most recent community survey found that food insecurity remains a major challenge in Central Florida, with more than half of school-aged children relying on school as their primary source of nutrition. To help bridge the gap, AdventHealth is launching the “Drive Out Hunger” Holiday Bus, which will stop at schools, hospitals, sporting venues and community hubs throughout December.

At each stop, residents will be encouraged to donate canned and non-perishable foods. With support from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, every item collected will be delivered directly to school food pantries and community partners.

“Helping children and families feel whole starts with meeting their most basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth. “This initiative reflects the heart of our community: people and partners uniting to lift one another up.”

AdventHealth Leads Regional Effort to Ensure Children Have Meals During School Break. Orlando, Florida. Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News

REGIONAL RESPONSE TO A CRITICAL NEED

Nearly 590,000 Central Florida residents — including over 150,000 children — face food insecurity on a daily basis. School district leaders say this collective effort is a tangible example of how community collaboration can relieve stress for families.

Serita Beamon, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)

“Strong schools are built on strong communities, and we are so grateful for AdventHealth who shares our commitment to caring for the whole child,” said Serita Beamon superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools. “Their generous support of our school food pantries will help ensure that students have access to meals when they’re off campus. This investment strengthens our community and provides critical support for our most vulnerable students and families and directly reflects how AdventHealth lives out their mission to care for our community.”

“Food insecurity remains a major concern in our Osceola County community and remains the primary pre-condition for learning,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Osceola County School District superintendent. “When community partners wrap their arms around our children and families during this pivotal time, it ensures stability and hope.”

Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said the organization is grateful for AdventHealth’s leadership and the alignment of local partners in supporting families beyond the classroom.

For more than 115 years, AdventHealth has served the Central Florida community as a not-for-profit health care provider. This holiday season, its mission continues beyond the hospital doors — delivering nourishment, compassion and support for families in need.

For the full schedule of Holiday Bus stops and the list of most-needed food items, visit: www.FeelWholeHoliday.com

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News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) proudly announces that for the “10th year” it will deliver full, real-time and post-event coverage of the prestigious 2025 Don Quijote Awards Gala, taking place Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion in Orlando, Florida.

This year marks another milestone in FNN’s 10-year commitment to spotlighting business excellence, leadership, cultural impact, and community advancement across Florida’s Hispanic and Latino communities.

FNN’s coverage will include:

• Red carpet arrivals and honoree interviews

• Event highlights and on-stage presentations

• Speaker and award-winner remarks

• Professional photojournalism and multimedia content

• Same-night and next-day article reporting

• Live updates through FNN’s English and Spanish digital platforms

Florida National News continues to serve as a trusted bilingual independent news outlet dedicated to elevating stories of achievement, service, and influence within Florida’s diverse communities.

J. Willie David, III, President of Florida National News stated:
“Florida National News is honored to once again cover the Don Quijote Awards, a premier celebration recognizing individuals whose stories of perseverance and success inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, added:
“At FNN, we are not just reporting — we are preserving the stories of innovators, visionaries, and community champions. The Don Quijote Awards shine a spotlight on those who embody resilience and cultural pride, and we look forward to amplifying their voices on a statewide and global stage.”

Follow FNN on-air, online, and across social media for continuous Don Quijote Awards coverage as we bring audiences exclusive access to honorees, presenters, and distinguished guests.