Orange County food pantry says demand spiking with families recovering from Hurricane Ian

ORLANDO, Fla. — A food pantry in Orange County says demand has spiked following Hurricane Ian.

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Good Samaritan Outreach handed out free groceries Wednesday at its food pantry on West Oak Ridge Road.

Some people in line lost power during the storm, so food in the fridge spoiled.

Read: Orange County estimates $206M in property damage from Hurricane Ian

“They lost so much food during the storm. So, we are providing for them,” said Good Samaritan Outreach founder and president David Torres.

Torres says phones have been ringing off the hook at the food pantry after Ian.

Read: D-SNAP: People affected by Hurricane Ian in these 2 counties can now apply for food assistance

Volunteers on Wednesday handed out 20,000 pounds of food to families in need in Orange County.

According to the consumer price index, the cost of food at home, or grocery prices, rose 13% over the last 12 months.

Read: Florida sees rise in flesh-eating bacteria amid Ian concerns

Torres said the need is so great they’re holding yet another food drive Thursday, its third of the month.

Thursday’s food drive will be held at the House of Bread on State Route 436 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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