A line of people wrapped around most of the Catholic Charities of Central Florida (CCCF) building on the morning of March 25. The rush to the Semoran Mission Market came after Orange County's mayor announced an executive stay-at-home order that was set to begin at 11 p.m., Thursday, March 26.
Jouvanny Osorio and his wife, Jenybell, visited the market for the first time. Jouvanny was recently laid off by an airline due to the reduced demand from travel restrictions. His wife is still working, but they have two young children at home. "We came out of need and this issue of the virus," he said. He said faith and prayer are getting them through.
Talking about the increase in demand, Gary Tester, president of CCCF, the charitable agency of the Diocese of Orlando, said, "We can't take food donations because of potential contamination with the virus. Tester noted the Grocer's Alliance, a CCCF partner, also tapered off food availability. Adding, "Normally we would pick up two to three pallets a day from our Grocery Alliance Stores. Yesterday we picked up six small boxes." He said prayers and cash donations to the Central Florida Catholic Mercy fund are the best ways people can help. He added, "Please pray for the people coming for food."
As the hours for both the Semoran and Rosemont markets ended that day, more than 500 households had been served, a one-day record. The average distribution between both markets for a day is between 140-160 households.