The Foundation for OCPS has received a $400,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation to address food insecurity among the most vulnerable students and families throughout Orange County Public Schools.
The grant will support the Foundation’s Food Pantry Capacity and Access Expansion Initiative, strengthening school-based pantry infrastructure in low-income communities and expanding access to healthy food options.
Schools serve as more than places of learning. They are trusted community connections where families can find resources, encouragement, and support. This investment will strengthen that network of care, helping school-based pantries respond to families facing food insecurity.
“No student should have to worry about their next meal,” said Debi Pedraza, executive director of the Foundation for OCPS. “This generous investment from the Florida Blue Foundation will help us strengthen school-based food pantries so more families can access healthy food from a place they already know and trust. We are very grateful for this partnership and the difference it will make for our students and families.”
Access to nutritious food is an essential part of helping students arrive at school ready to learn and participate. By strengthening pantry capacity and access, the initiative will help address needs beyond the classroom that can affect students’ daily lives.
“Hunger and chronic disease are deeply connected, and we know when we invest in food access, we invest in health,” said Susan Towler, vice president, corporate social responsibility, and Florida Blue Foundation. “We’re partnering with organizations across Florida to break the cycle, ensuring that access to healthy food becomes a foundation for better health outcomes.”
The Foundation for OCPS is one of eight nonprofit organizations included in Florida Blue Foundation’s September announcement of $3.1 million in grants supporting community-based food initiatives across Florida. The investments address food insecurity and its connection to health.
To learn more about the Foundation for OCPS and its work supporting students, families, and educators, visit foundationforocps.org.
About the Foundation for OCPS
Established in 1987, the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools invests in our children today to strengthen our community tomorrow. As the designated direct-support organization for Orange County Public Schools, the Foundation mobilizes charitable support for student essentials, academic opportunities, the arts, athletics, teacher excellence, and pathways to future careers. Working alongside individuals, businesses, and community partners, the Foundation helps students and educators access the resources and opportunities they need to reach their boundless potential. Learn more at foundationforocps.org.
About Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Blue Foundation enables healthy communities by making grants, building coalitions, and embracing solutions that create a meaningful impact in communities across the state. An average of 10 million Floridians receive services each year as a result of its community investments. Founded in 2001, Florida Blue Foundation is committed to improving health by impacting food security, advancing mental well-being, growing healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. Florida Blue Foundation is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit FloridaBlue.com/Foundation.
