Central Florida News
Wawa Pledges $1 Million To Second Harvest to Feed More Children and Families
Published
3 years agoon
By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla., — Tonight in Central Florida, one in five children is at risk of going to bed hungry. A $1 million grant from Wawa to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida aims to change that statistic by increasing the amount of fresh produce sent home with kids who are experiencing food insecurity.
The goal of Wawa and Second Harvest’s “Fly Beyond” pilot program is to reach more than 53,000 households over a 12-month period through two of the food bank’s childhood hunger prevention initiatives: the School Partnerships and Summer Food Service programs.
In addition to giving Second Harvest the ability to purchase and distribute more fresh produce, the funding will:
- Add 10 new Fresh Market sites at local schools
- Transform the Kids Pack initiative into a Family Weekend Meal Bag that will contain nutritious foods equal to 10 meals per household
- Enhance the Summer Food Service Program with a take home bag filled with fresh produce and other pantry staples each week
- Provide reusable and insulated tote bags for both programs
- Add customized display carts at 35 Fresh Market schools – making it easier for students to grab fresh produce as they head home
“Through this first-of-its-kind investment, Wawa is ensuring children in Central Florida have access to the nutritious wholesome food they need to thrive,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO of Second Harvest. “Inflation is causing more families to make difficult decisions about what they can afford, and this partnership can help lessen worries about food costs.”
Robert Yeatts, Sr. Director of Florida Operations for Wawa said, “Fueling up takes on a whole new meaning with ‘Fly Beyond.’ We hope this new pilot program inspires goodness by making fresh, healthy foods conveniently available to families to create nutritious meals at home without worrying about how to afford it. Having greater access to fresh produce will improve the ability of kids in our communities to learn, lead and succeed.”
Throughout the year, Wawa’s culinary team will create recipes that feature many of the food items being distributed. Those recipes can be found online at the “Fly Beyond” landing page.
Wawa and Second Harvest intend to use the “Fly Beyond” pilot program and results as a road map for collaborations with other food banks or for others to implement similar programs.
For more information about how to support hunger relief efforts across Central Florida, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.
Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.
Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.
House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.
Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.
“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”
Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races
Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.
“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”
The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.
According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.
Historic Member of Congress
Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.
Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.
Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.
Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.
