ORLANDO, Fla. — In Azalea Park Saturday morning, a partnership with the Islamic Society of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida gave out free food to about 500 families.

One by one, cars drove by and stopped as volunteers like Stephen Esccue packed those cars with food.

“This isn’t a systemic solution to the issue of hunger, but it’s still very worthwhile, because if people don’t do the least they can do, then nothing will be done. So I look at it as the very least we as society can do,” he said. “The ideal solution would be that all of us get together and tackle the issue of hunger. This is just a dent and if we can make a dent, then I’m happy with making a dent.”

Esccue, who’s originally from Michigan, moved to Florida to pursue a degree in social work. When he realized that wasn’t the right fit, he moved to Orlando and now works as a manager for Berman Property Management.

Esccue and his team took time out of their Saturday morning to be a part of the volunteer group.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida's truck that helped with the food distribution. (Spectrum News/Destiny Wiggins)

“We got employees from my company here and they seem to be enjoying themselves and whenever they’re smiling — smiling and doing something good — that’s awesome,” he said.

Esccue says the need in this area is huge and saw that play out in-person.

“There’s people that need to be helped and if I don’t help them, if these people here who are volunteers don’t help them, who is going to? Somebody has just got to step up and do it and if you don’t just do it, what’s the ultimate outcome? Nobody’s being helped,” said Esccue.

Staff with Second Harvest said they have distributed about 35,000 meals in the Azalea Park area of Orlando alone.