Hunger affects individuals and families across Florida, with many communities facing the challenge of food insecurity every day. At Feeding Florida, we are committed to making a difference by providing vital resources to those in need. 

In celebration of our work during Hunger Action Month, we want to highlight the various programs we have in place to address hunger and build stronger, healthier communities. From mobile food pantries to nutrition education, these initiatives are designed to provide immediate relief, long-term solutions, and a sustainable future for Floridians.

1. Mobile Pantries: Bringing Food Directly to Communities in Need

One of the most innovative ways our food banks combat hunger is through their Mobile Pantry Program. This initiative focuses on providing food directly to areas with high need, often in locations where access to food pantries or other resources are limited. Our mobile food trucks distribute food in several ways, most preferably through mini-grocery-style distribution where individuals can select the food they need.

These efforts ensure that more clients across the state have access to nutritious food, especially in underserved areas. By meeting people where they are, we reduce barriers to access and make it easier for families to get the support they need.

 

2. Workforce Development: Creating Pathways to Self-Sufficiency

In addition to providing food, we believe that economic empowerment is key to ending hunger in the long run. Several of our food banks– Second Harvest Central Florida, Feeding Tampa Bay, Feeding South Florida, and Treasure Coast Food Bank– have launched workforce development programs designed to train individuals in essential skills like culinary arts, warehouse management, truck driving, and barista training. 

These programs prepare people for stable careers and also help them build confidence and a sense of pride in their work. As Jimmy Kern, CDL Training Program Manager at Treasure Coast Food Bank, says: “After a lot of students graduate, they are able to afford a better life. Not only that, but they also have a higher level of respect for themselves, a sense of accomplishment, and a sense of value. That is what I strive to provide.” These programs give individuals the tools to support themselves and their families while creating lasting change in the community.

 

3. School Pantries and Summer Feeding: Ensuring Kids Have Enough to Eat

Child hunger is a pressing issue in Florida, and we are working hard to address it through school-based programs. Many of our food banks operate school pantries to ensure that children have access to food during the school day. We also run backpack programs that send children home with meals for the weekend, helping to bridge the gap when school is out.

Additionally, during the summer months when kids are not in school, our network of food banks provide vital meals and snacks to keep children nourished. By partnering with schools, local organizations, and community centers, we are ensuring that no child in Florida goes hungry, regardless of the time of year.

 

4. Florida Nutrition Education: Empowering Healthy Choices

Feeding Florida has always been at the forefront of addressing food insecurity, and now we’re taking it a step further with the Florida Nutrition Education program. By providing direct education and courses to SNAP eligible Floridians, we’re not just addressing immediate hunger – we’re also educating people on how to make healthier food choices and lead healthier lives. 

Thanks to a partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) we are reaching communities across 67 counties. This education initiative serves adults, seniors, and youth, helping Floridians understand nutrition, food preparation, and how to make the most of the food they receive. By focusing on both access to food and the knowledge to make healthy choices, we’re fostering a healthier future for the entire state.

 

5. Farmers Feeding Florida: Supporting Local Agriculture and Fighting Hunger

Through the Farmers Feeding Florida program, we work with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners to rescue surplus products that might otherwise go to waste. Over the years, this program has recovered and distributed millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Florida families, and we are expanding to source diary, beef, and other proteins. 

We also support local farmers through federal programs that purchase Florida-grown produce, ensuring that the state’s agricultural economy remains strong while also helping to meet the nutritional needs of our communities. Through produce recovery and local purchasing, we can sustain Florida’s farmers while ensuring that Floridians have access to the healthiest food possible.

 

6. Fresh Access Bucks: Making Healthy Food Affordable for All

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be a challenge for low-income families, but through the Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) program, we are helping to make healthy food more affordable. This USDA-funded initiative provides a nutritional incentive to SNAP recipients, allowing them to stretch their benefits further at participating farmers markets, produce stands, and mobile markets across the state. FAB works by matching a portion of the SNAP benefits used to purchase fresh produce, helping low-income families access the healthy food they need to live well. With FAB, we are not only improving food access but also supporting Florida’s small farmers, creating a more sustainable food system for everyone.

At Feeding Florida, we know that hunger is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Our diverse programs are designed to address the immediate needs of our communities while also working toward long-term solutions. Together with our partners, we’re creating a stronger, healthier Florida, so no one has to worry about where their next meal will come from.