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Alleviate Hunger Initiative The Idea
Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a region of abundance. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, our two-county region produced nearly $1.1 billion of agricultural products sold in 2007. The State of Florida ranked first in the nation for the production of ten fruits and vegetables. However, in the same year, Florida Impact reported that 138,854 people fell below the poverty line, representing 43,649 children. Facing economic decline in the past few years, one can easily assume that these numbers have drastically risen. From our partner nonprofit organizations we constantly hear stories of the newly poor visiting a food pantry for the first time… and of empty shelves due to the rising demand for food. At the Community Foundation, we believe we cannot stand by as our neighbors go hungry.
Taking Action
Following the Safety Net Challenge, our Board of Directors made an unprecedented decision to focus our Community Impact grants on food and shelter. Our goals are to identify strategic opportunities to improve the food distribution and collection system and improve access to existing programs. In partnership with Community Impact and Donor Advised funds, examples of recent grants awarded to address hunger in our communities include:
If you would like to help the Community Foundation continue to address issues of hunger and other critical needs in our community, please donate to the Leadership Fund or contact Danielle Blangy Cameron, Vice President for Development to establish a fund.
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