**Palm Beach County Food Bank Hosts Major Food Distribution Amid Growing Demand**
The Palm Beach County Food Bank hosted its first large-scale food distribution event Friday in partnership with United Way of Palm Beach County, responding to a growing demand for food assistance across the community.
Cars stretched around the corner as hundreds of people waited in line for help.
**Food Boxes Prepared for 1,000 Families**
“We had people lined up at 6 o’clock this morning,” said Jamie Kendall, CEO of the Palm Beach County Food Bank.
The organization prepared boxes of groceries for about 1,000 families, but the need was even greater. “It is wreaking havoc on a lot of folks that rely on the safety net to put food on the table,” Kendall said.
As supplies ran out, volunteers scrambled to assist the remaining families who were still arriving.
**Strained Resources Due to Increased Demand**
Food bank officials report that delays in November SNAP funding, concerns over a potential federal government shutdown, and broader economic struggles are putting additional strain on local resources.
“Our phone has been ringing off the hook,” Kendall said.
Among those waiting in line was Dianna Torres, who drove from Sunrise to Lake Worth. “With two teenage girls, myself and then my mother, it’s hard. It is very hard,” Torres shared.
She recently lost her job and has yet to receive unemployment benefits. “It is very tough because I’m still waiting on unemployment and it hasn’t kicked in, and I’m trying to get odd jobs,” she added.
**Increasing Need in the Community**
About 160,000 people in Palm Beach County rely on SNAP—roughly one in ten residents. Local food organizations say they are witnessing the impact firsthand.
“We knew we were gonna see additional demand for our services, but it’s really exceeded our expectations,” said Bill Harper, senior director of operations at Boca Helping Hands.
Lake Worth Commissioner Joel Flores noted, “There’s a lot of people that need that supplemental income to be able to afford food.”
**Community Support Grows**
Despite the increasing need, the community’s willingness to help is also on the rise.
“I’ve received like eight phone calls this morning from people wanting to get involved,” Harper stated.
**How You Can Help**
If you are interested in supporting the Palm Beach County Food Bank and families in need, visit their website for information on volunteering and donations. Every contribution makes a difference.
https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/demand-for-food-surges-in-palm-beach-county-putting-strain-on-local-organizations