Who we are
FAQ
What is Feeding Florida? Are you a food bank?
Feeding Florida is a statewide network of 9 partner food banks working together to fight hunger across Florida. It serves as an umbrella organization that supports and coordinates with the local member food banks, helping them source, distribute, and advocate for food and resource assistance.
How are you associated with Feeding America?
Feeding Florida is a Partner State Association of Feeding America, the largest hunger‑relief network in the United States, and serves as the official statewide network of Florida’s food banks. All nine Feeding Florida member food banks are part of the Feeding America network and meet rigorous national standards for food safety, governance, and fiscal accountability. Membership requires ongoing compliance with third‑party audits, food safety protocols, ethical practices, and transparent reporting.
Through Feeding America, Feeding Florida and its member food banks access share food resources, training, data systems, advocacy, and operational support. These national standards and supports strengthen the food bank system and help ensure safe, effective, and responsible hunger‑relief efforts across Florida.
What is the difference between a Food Bank and a Food Pantry?
The difference between a food bank and a food pantry mainly comes down to scale and role:
- A food bank is a large, centralized organization that collects, stores, and distributes food in bulk (often from farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and donors), sharing it with local partners that are embedded in communities and neighborhoods. Some food banks give food directly to the public, while others do not.
- A food pantry is a local, community-based site where people can go to get food. Pantries receive food from food banks, among other sources, and give it directly to families and individuals. Pantries are often run by churches, nonprofits, or community groups.
For more information about the difference, check out our page about How Food Banks Work.
Who can get help from a food bank?
Anyone who needs food can get help from the food banks, and it’s often by going through the food pantry or partner agency at that local community level. Most sites do not require proof of income. Families, seniors, and individuals are all welcome.
You can find your local food bank here.
Is the food free?
Yes. Food from food banks and pantries is free for people who need it.
You can find your local food bank here.
How does a food bank or pantry get food?
Food comes from many sources:
- Donations– Grocery items are donated from food drives, major retailer stores and distribution centers, manufacturers, farms and packing houses.
- Purchase– Financial donations allow food banks buy food at low cost. To supplement donations and to provide specific food for a program or to help partner agencies save money on food they may not receive through donations, Food Banks leverage our national network and relationships to purchase food at the lowest possible price, often saving our partners up to 60% on food they would normally purchase at a wholesale warehouse-shopping club.
- USDA Commodities – Commodities are foods that are purchased by the US Department of Agriculture and provided to food banks for distribution to qualified community and non-profit organizations. These products range from canned and boxed, shelf stable foods to fresh produce and frozen meats.
Food banks collect this food and send it to local pantries and meal programs so families can get the food they need.
Can I donate food?
Yes. Individuals, groups, and businesses can donate non-perishable food or fresh produce through the local food banks. Donations are sorted and sent to local pantries to feed families. If you would like to donate food, click here to find your local food bank and reach out accordingly.
What can I do to help Feeding Florida’s efforts?
People can help fight hunger in Florida in several ways:
- Volunteer: Give time at a food bank or food pantry. Even one shift helps families get food. Click here to find your food bank’s volunteer link, or learn more about volunteering from our blog.
- Donate: Money helps food banks buy food and keep programs running. We ask that you donate to your local food bank if you’d like to provide financial support. If you want to support statewide programming or generic hurricane relief, you can visit our donation page.
- Spread the word: Share this page with friends, family, or on social media to help more people learn about hunger in Florida. And keep learning, connecting, and following along. You can read our blog, news stories, and releases here.
Where can I find food?
Feeding Florida’s food banks can help people find a food pantry, meal site, or food distribution location near them. Click here to find your local food bank and reach out accordingly.
Where can I use Fresh Access Bucks?
Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) helps people using SNAP/EBT buy more fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and mobile markets. If you’d like to know where you can use FAB or how to get started, visit the FAB website.
Where can I find a Nutrition Education class?
Feeding Florida offers free nutrition education classes to help families eat healthy on a budget. Classes are available for online through virtual classes and in person as provided by our food banks. Visit the Florida Nutrition Ed website to see the upcoming class schedule or the online courses.
