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Disney Takes Big Steps to Fight Hunger During Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month, and Walt Disney World cast members are putting real magic behind the movement to help fight food insecurity across Central Florida. For decades, Walt Disney World has supported nonprofits and community leaders with programs, grants, and volunteer power, and 2025 is no different.
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One of Disney’s longest-running efforts is the Disney Harvest Program, created in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida back in 1991. The initiative collects surplus food from across Walt Disney World Resort and distributes it to local nonprofits like food pantries and shelters. Last year alone, Disney Harvest donated more than 722,000 pounds of food — the equivalent of 600,000 meals.
On top of food donations, Disney has provided major financial support. In 2024, the company donated $150,000 to Second Harvest, followed by an additional $500,000 in hurricane relief after Hurricane Milton. Cast Members also made an impact through VoluntEARS Grants and matching gifts, helping contribute an additional $115,000 last year.
The company’s reach extends even further through the Disney Grant program. This year, $300,000 of a total $500,000 in Disney Grants went directly toward hunger-related initiatives, benefiting:
- Valencia College’s VCentials Pantry – Supporting over 2,500 students with free access to healthy food so they can focus on their education.
- United Against Poverty – Relaunching its mobile food pantry to bring low-cost groceries to families in areas that need them most, serving over 1,200 families.
- Osceola Council on Aging – Expanding emergency and mobile food pantry programs that provide nearly 14,000 nutritious meals to families of all ages.
Disney leaders say it’s about more than just food. “Access to safe, healthy and affordable food is a critical need facing the Central Florida community,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “Every day we’re working alongside nonprofit organizations and are focused on supporting this important cause in ways that only Disney can.”
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And the work doesn’t stop in September. In October, Disney VoluntEARS will join CANstruction Orlando, building a Disney character entirely out of canned goods before donating them to Second Harvest. Then in November, Disney chefs and Cast Members will cook and serve 1,000 Thanksgiving meals at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.
From hurricane relief to food drives to everyday support, Disney continues to play a major role in tackling hunger across Florida. This Hunger Action Month, the magic isn’t just in the parks — it’s on the tables of families in need.
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