Florida Hospital’s Annual Canned Food Drive began today.

The annual event feeds hundreds of thousands of hungry Central Floridians, which is a great start, because studies have shown one in four children goes to bed hungry in our own backyard.

Due to tough financial times, demand for food is high and families’ needs are greater than ever. While donations to the bank are up, statistics show children are still suffering. The food bank network has reached 732,000 people, but with roughly one in four children still food insecure, we have more work to do.

In 2013, Florida Hospital donated 14,189 pounds of food and $13,060 for those less fortunate in Central Florida communities. Like years past, the food will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

At the employee drop-off location on Collection Day, employees will pack up cans to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank. They will also interview representatives from Florida Hospital about this valuable annual drive and the need in the Central Florida community. Donors are welcome to speak with Florida Hospital employees about why they feel compelled to donate food to those in need.

WHAT: Florida Hospital employees are gathering at the hospital loading docks to pack up the mountains of cans, bags, jars and boxes collected for the annual canned food drive.

DETAILS: Employees from all eight Florida Hospital locations, all 21 Centra Care locations and other outlying facilities donate the food during a two-week period leading up to Collection Day. Florida Hospital has organized this canned food drive for more than 10 years.

WHEN: Friday, April 18 - May 2

WHERE: Florida Hospital Orlando Loading Dock
Directions from I-4: Turn onto Princeton heading east and then make a left at the first stop light onto Orange Ave. Heading north on Orange Avenue, make a right at the third stop light onto King Street. Once you cross the railroad tracks take the second right (in front of Grain Chain Shop). Continue straight and make first left. Loading Dock will be on the right.

For more information, please contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.