South Florida residents and businesses are being urged to join the fight against food insecurity this September by taking part in Hunger Action Month. Feeding South Florida, the principal hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties, has launched an extensive schedule of fundraisers, volunteer initiatives, and awareness campaigns to support hundreds of thousands of struggling residents across the region.
The annual observation is part of a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Feeding America, designed to bring visibility to the widespread challenge of food insecurity while mobilizing local communities to act. In South Florida alone, approximately 1 million families experience nutritional instability, with nearly 500,000 children and older adults not knowing where their next meal will come from.
To address the multifaceted hardships that accompany food scarcity, Feeding South Florida has centered this year’s regional efforts on the theme "More Than A Meal." The organization emphasizes that addressing food insecurity encompasses far more than simply providing food, as adequate nutrition serves as the foundation for broader family stability, personal dignity, and future opportunity.
Paco Vélez, president and chief executive officer of Feeding South Florida, noted that the initiative highlights the profound impact that regular meals have on individuals who are struggling with uncertain circumstances. He pointed out that every provided meal delivers an essential sense of dignity, personal stability, and hope to neighbors who are navigating difficult financial and personal challenges.
To amplify the financial impact of community contributions, global carrier Delta Airlines is serving as the presenting sponsor for the campaign, offering a dollar-for-dollar donation match of up to $25,000 throughout the month. Because Feeding South Florida is able to stretch monetary resources effectively, every single dollar contributed to the organization translates into roughly four nutritious meals for individuals and families in need.
Complementing direct monetary donations, the nonprofit is hosting a dedicated digital auction. This initiative allows participants to bid on a variety of distinctive items and experiences, generating critical supplemental funding that directly supports ongoing hunger-relief programs throughout the four-county service territory.
Throughout September, residents are encouraged to participate through numerous community-based activities. Individuals, neighborhood groups, and workplace teams can organize virtual fundraisers or conduct traditional food drives to gather shelf-stable groceries for local distribution centers.
The public can also support the cause by visiting participating local dining establishments that have pledged to donate a portion of their meal proceeds directly to Feeding South Florida. Additionally, the nonprofit is encouraging everyone to "Go Orange"—the symbolic color of hunger awareness—by donning orange clothing, staging themed bake sales, and requesting that regional landmarks illuminate their facades in orange light.
For community members seeking hands-on engagement, volunteer opportunities are available across the organization's logistics network. Supporters can register to inspect and sort donated goods at regional warehouses or assist culinary staff with meal preparation at the organization’s Community Kitchen facility in Boynton Beach.
Corporate teams are invited to engage directly on September 18 during the dedicated "Pack to Give Back" event. Scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon, this collaborative effort allows workplace colleagues to come together to package essential food boxes and sort incoming inventory for rapid distribution.
Athletic supporters and local families can also take part in the Outrun Hunger 5K – Palm Beach County, slated for the morning of September 19 at Okeeheelee Park, located at 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The family-friendly gathering will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and will feature vendor booths, a dedicated Kids Zone, and options for individual and team running or walking entries.
The 5K event will be emceed by Noura Salman, an entrepreneur behind SuperFreshies.com and a finalist on Season 39 of the television show Survivor, alongside Kirk Gimenez, a senior vice president at Brickell Capital Finance who serves on Feeding South Florida’s Advisory Council.
The monthlong campaign reaches a formal crescendo on September 29 with Hunger Action Day, also designated as "Go Orange Day." On this day, residents and community advocates across the area are invited to showcase their solidarity by purchasing and wearing specialized "Hunger Heroes" T-shirts, which are available for $25 each.
Feeding South Florida continues to maintain an expansive distribution network, collaborating with more than 350 community partners and nonprofit agencies across South Florida. In total, the organization provides vital food resources, public advocacy, and education services to more than 1.7 million individuals each year.
The food bank is also preparing for long-term operational growth following municipal approval of a modified site plan for a new 32,000-square-foot warehouse in Boynton Beach. The facility represents the final construction phase of Feeding South Florida's campus expansion within the Quantum Corporate Park, located along Park Ridge Boulevard just north of Gateway Boulevard and Interstate 95.
Community members interested in volunteering, participating in upcoming events, registering for the 5K, or making a matched donation can find additional information and access registration portals through the organization's official website.
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