The leading domestic hunger-relief organization in South Florida, Feeding South Florida® is working diligently to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and the rapidly evolving and increased food needs of those who are food insecure in South Florida.

“As with every response to an emergency, Feeding South Florida is ready to serve, but we need the community’s support more now than ever!” said Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida. “With volunteer cancellations, distribution networks shutting down, and the global threat diminishing resources, community help is imperative. Please take this opportunity to donate, volunteer, and help us in many other ways.”

While the organization is in dire need of volunteers, more sanitation and cleaning supplies, monetary donations give Feeding South Florida the most flexibility to respond rapidly to requests for assistance. Their COVID-19 response web page at feedingsouthflorida.org/covid19/ outlines how to help.

• Participate in Feeding South Florida’s MealConnect “Extra Helpings” program — The Extra Helpings Program connects volunteers with local hotels, restaurants, caterers, schools and other donors to recover perishable food and deliver to agencies for distribution.
• Donate to the Feeding South Florida COVID-19 Response Fundat feedingsouthflorida.org/donate-now/.
• Volunteer to help pack family meal boxesat Feeding South Florida’s headquarters in Pembroke Park and Feeding Palm Beach County headquarters in Boynton Beach with sorting/packing volunteer opportunities Tuesday – Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To register, visit feedingsouthflorida.org/volunteer/
• Donate cleaning and sanitation supplies, volunteer at a special distribution, provide prepared meals (commercial) and logistics support.

Feeding South Florida is bridging the meal gap by providing much-needed food for several food insecure populations, including

• Coordinating with Feeding America®, Feeding Florida, government agencies, local school districts, county government and community partners to strategically deploy food resources
• Scheduling drive-thru distributions in strategic areas throughout the community to supplement closed agency sites, schools and meal sites
• Working with the Department of Elder Affairs to bridge the meal gap from closed senior congregate meal sites
•  Surveying its network of 300 nonprofit partner agencies to monitor closures, support increased food needs and understand volunteer capacity.
  Visit https://feedingsouthflorida.org/covid19/.