Rising grocery and everyday costs have left roughly 1.7 million Floridians struggling to afford food, Feeding South Florida says. The organization serves Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties and coordinates with more than 350 partner groups. Its 5,000-square-foot Community Kitchen can produce up to 10,000 meals a day, and leaders are urging volunteering, donations, and local support to meet growing demand.
1.7 Million Floridians Struggling To Afford Food As Costs Rise, Feeding South Florida Warns
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As grocery and everyday costs climb across the U.S., nonprofit kitchens and food banks in South Florida say demand for emergency food assistance is surging.
Rising Need Across Four Counties
Feeding South Florida reports that roughly 1.7 million people — from Tequesta down to Key West — are having difficulty putting food on the table, a trend the organization attributes to higher prices for fuel, transportation, health care, groceries and other basic expenses. Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida, shared the figure with local outlet WPTV.
New analysis from the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality finds that about 35% of Floridians are "burdened by food costs," underscoring the reach of the problem beyond a single county or city.
How Feeding South Florida Is Responding
Feeding South Florida operates directly and through a partner network in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Its network includes more than 350 nonprofit and community organizations that distribute food and provide support across the region.
The organization's 5,000-square-foot Community Kitchen can produce up to 10,000 meals per day for individuals, after-school programs, medically tailored meal services and disaster response efforts.
"So many families are coming to us, so many families are coming to our partner agencies," Vélez told WPTV, urging residents to volunteer, donate or support local fundraising efforts.
Other Examples of Scaled-Up Food Assistance
- In Wisconsin, a food pantry partnered with community gardens and farms to expand local meal supplies.
- In Arkansas, a food bank served more than 60,000 meals after storms disrupted grocery access.
- Marriott International donated surplus food and helped save more than 300,000 meals in 2023.
- Globally, food banks provided about 1.7 billion meals in 2023 while diverting edible food from landfills.
How You Can Help
Community members can support neighbors by volunteering at local pantries, donating funds or nonperishable goods, and joining or organizing fundraising drives. Local food banks and Feeding South Florida maintain websites and partner listings for volunteers and donors seeking opportunities.
Reporting: Feeding South Florida and Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality; Local coverage: WPTV.
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