Light Orlando Packs One Million Meals

On August 23rd our community witnessed an incredible act of service, when more than 2,500 volunteers came together to pack one million meals for families facing food insecurity at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.

The event, hosted by Light Orlando, filled the room with energy, music, and a spirit of unity that volunteers described as both “addictive” and “life-changing.” Since launching five years ago, Light Orlando’s meal-packing efforts have grown from small church-based gatherings to large-scale community events. What began with 65,000 meals has now expanded into million-meal builds two years in a row.

 “This works because of trust,” explained Troy Wright, Program Officer with Light Orlando. “When people know that we’ve vetted the organizations, that the event is well-run, and that it will truly help the community, they step up,” continued Wright. On packing day, volunteers stood shoulder-to-shoulder across 90 assembly lines, filling boxes with veggie pasta blends, dried vegetables, and spices. Each case held enough food for hundreds of servings. The meals were then distributed to more than 60 partner organizations, from Family Promise to the Union Rescue Mission, ensuring they reached families, food pantries, and community kitchens across Central Florida.

 Food insecurity remains a growing challenge in Central Florida, especially with rising grocery costs. Light Orlando’s mission is to make a tangible impact while giving residents a meaningful way to connect. “It feels like working alongside 2,500 of your closest friends,” said one participant. And the service doesn’t stop there.

 Light Orlando’s next major project will take place on December 13th, with volunteers serving seniors at Salvation Army and assisted living facilities, and families at the Howard Field Center. Organizers expect about 500 volunteers, welcoming individuals of all ages. When talking about Light Orlando's volunteer initiatives, Program Officer, Camille McCashland added “Come ready to serve, meet new people, and have a great time,” they said. “But be warned—it’s contagious. Once you start serving, you’ll want to keep coming back.”