Suncoast’s “Magic Buckets” program helps deliver thousands of meals across Central Florida

Simply Suncoast

June 10, 2026

On any given day, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida helps prepare, pack and distribute meals for seniors, families and children facing hunger around Orlando.

The demand is so great, the daily total exceeds a whopping 300,000 meals.

“This is something that cannot be done without working with community partners,” said Keshia Sutton, event specialist for the food bank.

That’s where Suncoast Credit Union comes into play.

Through its Magic Buckets program, Suncoast and the Osceola Magic team up during the basketball season to contribute money to a donation pot every time the team scores a point. Two local nonprofits compete and split the money. The organization that receives the most votes in a month receives the most money.

This season, the program donated more than $25,000 to Central Florida organizations, and representatives from each came together at a game on March 20 to be recognized.

In January, Second Harvest walked away with $1,850 for participating in the program. That translates to more than 7,000 meals that will benefit Central Floridians, Sutton said.

“This is something that helps a lot of families,” she said. “At Second Harvest Food Bank we are able to transform each dollar donated into four meals, that can bridge things over for someone who may have lost their job and is looking between paying their bills or eating.”

Families benefit, and so do individuals. People like Anna of the greater Orlando area.

When Anna goes to the grocery store these days, she puts most items back on the shelf because they’re so costly.

“I’ll just do without rather than pay the prices, and they’re just getting worse,” Anna said. “I’d rather use the money to pay bills than to put out on something that’s not worth it.”

Anna, unfortunately, is among the statistics.

She’s part of the one in seven Central Floridians who face food insecurity and are forced to make tough decisions about whether to purchase food or pay rent and other bills.

Anna turns to food distributions, like the one hosted by Wings of Faith recently in Ocala. Anna was desperate and waited in line for hours.

“It’s very fresh food,” Anna said of why she was willing to wait to receive food at the distribution. “I saw eggs. That was a big one. And cabbage and carrots and bakery items.”

These distributions wouldn’t be possible without Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. And Second Harvest couldn’t fulfill its mission without partnerships with organizations like Suncoast.

“Our mission is people helping people, and this program underscores that,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “Our partnership with the Osceola Magic and dozens of Central Florida nonprofit organizations is thriving, and we’ll continue to do our part to help those in need.”

And because of Suncoast’s impact, people like Anna have a warm meal on the table at night.

“It’s so helpful and a great way to engage organizations and give back,” Sutton said about the Magic Buckets program. “We just love Suncoast.”

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