Due to unprecedented increase in need, Feeding South Florida facing shortage of money, food
PEMBROKE PARK - Not only is inflation making it harder for families to put food on their tables, but it's also making it a lot harder for those who help them do that when they come up short.
Feeding South Florida said it is experiencing an increased spike in families seeking assistance on a more frequent basis due to inflation, rising food and housing costs.
The leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida added that its network of partner agencies is struggling to keep up with the demand and are having to put families on waiting lists.
Feeding South Florida said it is currently facing a $500,000 shortfall in purchased food used to support those facing food insecurity and hunger over the next month. With $1, the nonprofit used to be able to provide nine meals. Currently with this same amount, it can only provide four.
On Monday the Full Gospel church in Ft Lauderdale, one of the sites feeding south Florida provides food was busy distributing boxes of food that dozens of people in need.
Tish Franssen says she tries to make the box last a week to put food on the table for herself and two others at home
She lamented about inflation and the difficulties of dealing with the rising cost of food.
"I feel like a wild cat trying to survive" she said
"I only come when I need it. I'm grateful."
Traditionally, summer in South Florida is slower for farmers and workers who head north for the season, limiting resources.
It's also the most difficult time for families because when school is not in session, children don't have access to free or reduced-price school meals. In South Florida alone, more than 300,000 kids rely on free or reduced meals during the school year. Seeking to help fill the void of school meals, Feeding South Florida is a sponsor of the USDA Summer Food Service Program, providing meals to kids at Summer BreakSpots pop-up pantries in low-income communities.
In addition to inflation and a spike in need, donations are tapering off. Feeding South Florida is working with Feeding America to bring in additional food but other food banks across the country are requesting the same resources.
Feeding South Florida serves more than 1.1 million individuals through its network of partner agencies, an unprecedented increase in need.
"Families are coming in more frequently. Recently we had to buy 3 million pounds of food," said CEO Paco Velez.
They are looking for donations from individuals and hoping to bring in more corporate sponsors.
Banks, Publix supermarkets and foundations are among the sponsors that regularly give to Feeding South Florida.
If you can help, contact Feeding South Florida in Pembroke Park.
