OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — With the holiday season here, food insecurity is on the minds of many. 

According to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, one in eight Central Floridians is facing hunger. 

For children, that number is one in six.

What You Need To Know

  • According to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, one in eight Central Floridians is facing hunger. For children, that number is one in six
  • One local nonprofit, Pantry Planters, is paving the way to make sure people are fed during this important time
  • The goal is to end hunger in Osceola County and beyond by providing food distribution solutions to meet the needs of different communities

One local nonprofit, Pantry Planters, is paving the way to make sure people are fed during this important time.

It’s a mission that’s personal for Tammi Madison.

“This really brings back memories, about 40 years ago, I had to come to a pantry as well and these wonderful people put food together for me to take home for my family. I’m so grateful that I can now do that,” Madison said. 

She started Pantry Planters two and a half years ago. 

The goal is to end hunger in Osceola County and beyond by providing food distribution solutions to meet the needs of different communities. 

“Our goal is to help communities come together and put up food distribution together where they live, and also help train people who are less fortunate,” Madison said. 

Madison views herself as a mentor — she knows what it’s like to ask for help. That’s why she’s giving back. 

“I asked God if you can get me back on my feet, I promise I will pay it forward, and we are. We’re all coming together as a community looking for those who need help,” Madison said. 

And during the holidays, that message is even more important.

“I want you to remember, hunger knows no season,” Madison said. 

Andrea Ruiz, with the Salvation Army Osceola County, helps the food pantry operate weekly at the Church of Nazarene in Kissimmee. She works with Madison to find ways to improve the work they do there. They made Thanksgiving baskets for people to pick up. 

“If you know you’re going to be short ahead of time, come in, ask for help early, that way we can prevent other problems from coming up,” Ruiz said. 

Madison is not wasting any time — she is actively working to build a coalition of community members to find solutions to meet the needs of those facing food insecurity.

Just ask those with Help Against Hunger East Osceola. Co-founders Brian and Cicily Randolph started this nonprofit in 2020. They work with Madison to find ways to better serve their community. 

“Whatever you’re desiring, whatever resource you’re hungry for, we wanted to provide that,” Brian Randolph said. 

After all, the way to move forward takes one conversation. 

“I believe charity starts at home, I started here, now I’m ready to reach out to more counties,” Madison said. 

View information on how to get involved with Pantry Planters.