Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is asking for community assistance to help bring food to those in need across Palm Beach County. The nonprofit organization, which helps more than 27,000 people annually, is feeling the squeeze of inflation and struggling with increased food demand and a dwindling volunteer force.
“Surging food prices and supply chain issues are affecting all areas of our hunger relief programs. We’re purchasing food to supplement our supply of donated food, and wholesale prices have increased,” said Greg Hazle, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands. “With increased prices, our clients’ dollar stretches less at the grocery store, so they rely on us more. Unfortunately, that means Boca Helping Hands is buying more food at the same time that food prices are higher.”
The same supply chain and inventory issues and labor shortages that are plaguing many organizations are affecting BHH’s ability to provide critical food service to those in need. And with many people leaving South Florida for the summer months, there is an urgent need for donations.
BHH is also asking for volunteer assistance in East Boca, Boynton Beach and Delray for multiple roles including food prep, packaging and distribution. In the last two months, the organization has seen a decrease of 20 perecent to its volunteer group and expects a total decline of 30 percent by the beginning of June.
To donate, visit BocaHelpingHands.org/Donate. To volunteer, visit BocaHelpingHands.org/Volunteer. To host a food drive and download a list of most needed items, visit BocaHelpingHands.org/FoodDrives.
