Philanthropic Leaders Raise $1.5 Million To Fight Hunger in Broward
Emergency funds provide 1.9 million meals and grocery assistance
BROWARD COUNTY, FL – More than 250,000 residents are experiencing food insecurity. A coalition of Broward County philanthropic and civic leaders has launched a coordinated, countywide effort to expand food distribution and support families facing hunger. Together, the partners have raised approximately $1.5 million to increase the amount of food available through local food banks and community pantries.
Across the county, families are making daily tradeoffs between basic needs, choosing whether to pay rent or buy groceries, fill their gas tank or feed their children. In September alone, 141,000 Broward families relied on SNAP benefits to help make ends meet. The recent threat of a prolonged government shutdown and potential disruptions to SNAP underscored how close many households are to the edge.
“While the shutdown ended, the need did not,” said Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, who led the partnership effort. “This crisis revealed just how many of our neighbors are struggling. By uniting our resources, we are ensuring that families across Broward have access to reliable, nutritious food.”
This countywide effort includes Broward County, United Way Broward,Community Foundation of Broward, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, Jewish Federation of Broward County, and Health Foundation of South Florida. Through joint fundraising and shared strategy, the coalition is amplifying its collective impact to reach more families than any single organization could alone.
Lead contributions from Broward County, Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare System, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, and Cleveland Clinic provided the foundation for this emergency response.
Funds raised are being distributed to three frontline hunger-relief organizations:
- Feeding South Florida
- Farm Share
- United Way Broward’s Project Lifeline
These resources will support the distribution of approximately 2 million pounds of food, equivalent to more than 1.9 million meals, as well as $100,000 in grocery gift cards for families in need. This investment ensures that more food reaches local families, seniors, and children who need it most.
Residents seeking assistance can find information about local food pantries and SNAP/food assistance locations through the Coordinating Council of Broward.
“We are grateful to our partners, donors, volunteers, and the many community organizations who make this work possible,” the partners shared in a joint statement. “Combating hunger requires collective action, and we are proud to stand together in this mission.”
Kimberly Maroe
Broward Commission PIO/Media Liaison
(954) 357-8053
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