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About

OUR STORY

HOPE TAKES ROOT

Food Brings Hope began in 2007 with a simple but powerful realization: too many children were starting the school week already behind—not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked access to basic necessities. This was apparent throughout Volusia County. We saw firsthand that students experiencing homelessness or economic hardship often didn’t have enough food at home over the weekends. So we started there, providing weekend food bags to help ensure no child returned to school hungry.

As our relationships with schools grew, so did our understanding. Hunger wasn’t limited to one age group, and neither was potential. Programs expanded into elementary, middle, and high schools, and one thing became clear: these students were just as capable and just as bright as their peers. They simply needed opportunity. That insight led to the creation of FB Honors, offering STEM-based tutoring five days a week, three hours a day, so students could truly benefit from the stability Food Brings Hope provided.

Then the world changed. After COVID, learning gaps widened dramatically. More than 70% of children were no longer reading at grade level, and many didn’t have access to Wi-Fi or computers at home—tools that had suddenly become essential. In response, Change The Code was launched and implemented in several schools within the 32114 zip code, helping students build critical literacy and technology skills. For those with dreams of college, we walked alongside them through the application process—and through FB Honors, ensured they were prepared not just to apply, but to succeed.

As calls for help increased across Volusia County, it became clear that even more was needed. Long waiting lists meant families were facing hunger and homelessness without immediate support. That urgency led to the creation of VCAN (Volusia County Can Be Child/Youth Hunger and Homeless Free). The mission was simple and bold: when someone reaches out, we respond—immediately. Whether that means providing food, securing shelter, or placing a family in a hotel temporarily, our answer is always the same: no child or family with children should ever go hungry or homeless while waiting for help.

From there, our work naturally expanded beyond crisis response to long-term stability. FBH Prosperity was created in partnership with local businesses and organizations, particularly those employing individuals from the 32114 area. Employers can nominate lower-wage employees to participate in the program, where we help address the real-life barriers that hold families back—education and career advancement, healthcare challenges, food insecurity, and even unexpected setbacks like a broken-down car. The goal is stability, dignity, and forward momentum.

Once families are stable, we help them take the next step—one that many never thought possible. Through Homes Bring Hope, hardworking families who have never owned, or even imagined owning, a home are guided through credit improvement and the mortgage process. Thanks to generous vendors, philanthropists, and community partners—who donate land, labor, materials, and resources—we’re able to build and sell homes at or below cost. The result is life-changing: more than 90% of participating families now pay less in mortgage payments than they did in rent, gaining not just a house, but lasting stability.

Our Story

HOPE TAKES ROOT

Food Brings Hope began in 2007 with a simple but powerful realization: too many children were starting the school week already behind—not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked access to basic necessities. This was apparent throughout Volusia County. We saw firsthand that students experiencing homelessness or economic hardship often didn’t have enough food at home over the weekends. So we started there, providing weekend food bags to help ensure no child returned to school hungry.
As our relationships with schools grew, so did our understanding. Hunger wasn’t limited to one age group, and neither was potential. Programs expanded into elementary, middle, and high schools, and one thing became clear: these students were just as capable and just as bright as their peers. They simply needed opportunity. That insight led to the creation of FB Honors, offering STEM-based tutoring five days a week, three hours a day, so students could truly benefit from the stability Food Brings Hope provided.
Then the world changed. After COVID, learning gaps widened dramatically. More than 70% of children were no longer reading at grade level, and many didn’t have access to Wi-Fi or computers at home—tools that had suddenly become essential. In response, Change The Code was launched and implemented in several schools within the 32114 zip code, helping students build critical literacy and technology skills. For those with dreams of college, we walked alongside them through the application process—and through FB Honors, ensured they were prepared not just to apply, but to succeed.
As calls for help increased across Volusia County, it became clear that even more was needed. Long waiting lists meant families were facing hunger and homelessness without immediate support. That urgency led to the creation of VCAN (Volusia County Can Be Child/Youth Hunger and Homeless Free). The mission was simple and bold: when someone reaches out, we respond—immediately. Whether that means providing food, securing shelter, or placing a family in a hotel temporarily, our answer is always the same: no child or family with children should ever go hungry or homeless while waiting for help.
From there, our work naturally expanded beyond crisis response to long-term stability. FBH Prosperity was created in partnership with local businesses and organizations, particularly those employing individuals from the 32114 area. Employers can nominate lower-wage employees to participate in the program, where we help address the real-life barriers that hold families back—education and career advancement, healthcare challenges, food insecurity, and even unexpected setbacks like a broken-down car. The goal is stability, dignity, and forward momentum.
Once families are stable, we help them take the next step—one that many never thought possible. Through Homes Bring Hope, hardworking families who have never owned, or even imagined owning, a home are guided through credit improvement and the mortgage process. Thanks to generous vendors, philanthropists, and community partners—who donate land, labor, materials, and resources—we’re able to build and sell homes at or below cost. The result is life-changing: more than 90% of participating families now pay less in mortgage payments than they did in rent, gaining not just a house, but lasting stability.

Looking Forward

Building a stronger community

At the heart of every program is a shared vision: a thriving 32114 zip code where children and families have what they need to succeed. Our goal is simple, yet transformative—no child or family with children will go hungry, no family will experience homelessness, and stability will be within reach for all.

We believe that when children are supported, families grow stronger. When families grow stronger, neighborhoods flourish. And when neighborhoods flourish, entire communities—and ultimately our state—are better for it. Every dollar entrusted to Food Brings Hope goes directly toward lifting children and families, creating ripples of impact that extend far beyond any single program.

Looking ahead, we see a future rooted in hope, opportunity, and partnership. A future where access replaces barriers, where potential is nurtured, and where an entire community rises together. This is more than a mission—it’s a promise to keep building, responding, and believing in what’s possible when people come together for the common good.

Looking Forward

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY

At the heart of every program is a shared vision: a thriving 32114 zip code where children and families have what they need to succeed. Our goal is simple, yet transformative—no child or family with children will go hungry, no family will experience homelessness, and stability will be within reach for all.
We believe that when children are supported, families grow stronger. When families grow stronger, neighborhoods flourish. And when neighborhoods flourish, entire communities—and ultimately our state—are better for it. Every dollar entrusted to Food Brings Hope goes directly toward lifting children and families, creating ripples of impact that extend far beyond any single program.
Looking ahead, we see a future rooted in hope, opportunity, and partnership. A future where access replaces barriers, where potential is nurtured, and where an entire community rises together. This is more than a mission—it’s a promise to keep building, responding, and believing in what’s possible when people come together for the common good.

Through the Years

View photos from some of our past projects, campaigns and initiatives.
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