More than 187,940 children in Central Florida struggle with hunger, according to Second Harvest Food Bank. And that’s an 8.9 percent increase over last year.

In response, Winter Park businesses and individuals are renewing efforts to reverse that trend. They’re raising funds for Second Harvest Food Bank through the second annual Feed the Need campaign, presented by Florida Distributing, Mayflower Retirement Community and Winter Park Memorial Hospital.

Last year, the collaboration, which includes founding members Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the City of Winter Park, raised $100,000 in 22 days. InfiNET Technologies has joined this year’s effort as one of dozens of community champions donating funds and raising money to continue the momentum to end hunger.

The campaign kicked off Oct. 31 at Winter Park City Hall and runs until Nov. 21. Until then, residents, businesses, faith communities and civic groups can participate through online giving, community events and individual fundraising efforts — all to feed the need for local families.

More information about the campaign, the needs in Central Florida and ways to help is available on the Second Harvest Food Bank website.

— Tita Parham is InfiNET Technologies’ marketing and communications specialist.