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| Inside the Osceola Response Team community pantry, where food and essential items are provided to individuals and families in need. Photo courtesy of Osceola Response Team. |
By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published August 10th, 2026
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OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola Response Team is changing the operating hours of its community pantry after growing concerns about residents waiting in long lines during the intense Central Florida summer heat.
iSkyNews.com spoke with Richard Herr, Executive Director of the Osceola Response Team, who wanted the public to know why the decision was made and how the new schedule is intended to help the community.
According to Herr, the pantry is currently serving more than 100 people each day, with some residents spending more than an hour waiting in line. With temperatures soaring during the daytime hours, Herr said the heat has become overwhelming for those waiting to receive assistance.
“The heat is very overwhelming when you’re standing in a line for over an hour,” Herr said in a public statement explaining the change.
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| Osceola Response Team Post on Facebook |
New Evening Hours Begin
Under the new schedule, the pantry will be open from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The move to evening hours is designed to reduce the amount of time residents have to stand outside during the hottest portion of the day while continuing to provide food and other assistance to families who need it.
The pantry will not completely close during daytime hours. Emergency pickups will continue to be available during the day by appointment only.
Herr said he believes the new schedule will ultimately allow the organisation to serve even more people than it did before the hours were changed.
The Osceola Response Team identifies itself as a Florida nonprofit emergency response organisation serving communities across the state.
For residents who rely on the pantry, the important change is simple:
Regular Pantry Hours: Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Daytime Emergency Pickups: By appointment only.
Residents interested in learning more about the Osceola Response Team, volunteering, donating or finding additional information can visit the organisation's website.
Full website:
https://www.osceolaresponseteam.org
About the Osceola Response Team Pantry
The Osceola Response Team pantry is a community food-assistance program designed to help individuals and families who are struggling with food insecurity or facing an emergency. The nonprofit says its broader mission includes feeding people in need, providing emergency assistance and supporting disaster-relief efforts throughout Florida.
The pantry provides food and other assistance to community members, with Executive Director Richard Herr telling iSkyNews.com that the programme is currently serving more than 100 people per day.
Pantry hours are now Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with emergency daytime pickups available by appointment.
Address is: 1000 Mann Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Source: Richard Herr, Executive Director, Osceola Response Team / Osceola Response Team
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