As grocery prices surge across the country, many families are struggling to put food on the table.
South Florida is one region where nonprofit kitchens and food banks have been racing to keep up with the increasing demand for services.
Here's what to know
Hunger-relief organization Feeding South Florida is seeing the impacts of families facing financial strain over higher prices for fuel, transportation, health care, groceries, and other everyday expenses.
"There are 1.7 million people, all the way from Tequesta down to Key West, struggling to put food on the table," Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida, recently told local outlet WPTV.
According to new analysis from the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, 35% of Floridians are "burdened by food costs."
What can people do to help?
Feeding South Florida operates in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties through direct-service programs and a partner network of more than 350 nonprofit and community groups.
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Its 5,000-square-foot Community Kitchen can turn out as many as 10,000 meals per day for individuals, after-school programs, medically tailored meal services, and disaster response efforts.
For those looking to pitch in, Vélez said there are a number of ways to get involved. He called on community members to help neighbors in need by volunteering, donating, or taking part in fundraising efforts.
"So many families are coming to us, so many families are coming to our partner agencies," Vélez told WPTV.
Where can I learn more?
The following articles explore more examples of groups getting food to people who need it:
• In Wisconsin, a food pantry partnered with community gardens and farms to expand local meals.
• In Arkansas, a food bank served over 60,000 meals after storms knocked out grocery power.
• Marriott International saved over 300,000 meals in 2023 by donating surplus food to communities in need.
• Around the world, food banks provided 1.7 billion meals in that same year, while keeping edible food from landfills.
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