More Than a Meal: Supporting Families in Seminole County

Policing professionals frequently find themselves responding to moments of crisis. But some of the most meaningful work we do happens long before a call for service – when we have the opportunity to step in, support a family, and help stabilize a situation before it reaches a breaking point.

Those opportunities are a driving force behind our Family Wraparound Services Team at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

This team is built on a simple but powerful idea: when families are supported, our entire community is stronger. Through this initiative, our team works closely with individuals and families who may be facing challenges such as financial hardship, food insecurity, or other barriers that can impact their well-being. One of the most impactful ways we’ve expanded this support is by creating our on-site food pantry at our Juvenile Enforcement Center.

What began as a small effort in August 2024 has quickly grown into a vital resource for the at-need families we serve. In just a few short months that year, we distributed 2,742 pounds of food with less than $400 in donated funds. It was a modest start, but it demonstrated both the need in our community and the potential of what this program could become.

In 2025, that impact grew significantly. Through strengthened partnerships and expanded outreach, we distributed 11,809 pounds of food and served 794 families, all while maintaining incredibly low operational costs. So far in 2026, we have already distributed 5,798 pounds of food. Notably, this has been accomplished entirely through grant funding, without using funds from the Sheriff’s Office.

Stronger Together

This success would not be possible without the strong partnerships we have built within our community. We are proud to work alongside Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, which helps us keep our pantry stocked with a wide range of items, including canned goods, cereal, snacks, fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy. Their support ensures that families receive nutritious food options that can truly make a difference.

Leaders from Second Harvest Food Bank recently visited our pantry and saw firsthand the impact of this collaboration. Their enthusiasm for the partnership reinforces what we already know: when organizations come together with a shared mission, we can accomplish far more than we could alone.

We are also deeply grateful for the Big Nova Foundation’s continued generosity. Their investment in this program has been instrumental in allowing us to grow and sustain our efforts. From initial funding in 2025 to additional support that carried us into 2026, their commitment has helped ensure that families in Seminole County have access to essential resources when they need them most.

What makes this pantry program unique is not just the food we provide, but the approach behind it. Our Family Wraparound Services Program is designed to meet people where they are, offering support, guidance, and connection to additional resources. The food pantry often serves as a first point of contact for an immediate need that opens the door to deeper engagement and long-term support.

We know that a bag of groceries can ease a burden for a few days, but a relationship built on trust can change the trajectory of a family’s future.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to growing the Family Wraparound Services Program, strengthening our partnerships, and continuing to find innovative ways to serve our community. Public safety is not just about enforcement; it is about prevention, connection, and care.

At the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, we are proud to stand alongside our community, not just in times of crisis, but in the everyday moments where support can make all the difference.

Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma, now in his 10th year leading the agency, is the 10th sheriff in the history of Seminole County. As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Sheriff Lemma directs the agency’s enforcement, investigative, correctional, judicial, juvenile, and support services.