As we head into the holiday season, let’s remember to give to those in need. Local food pantries need supplies and volunteers to accomplish their mission of helping those facing financial difficulties. Whether you can donate items to a food pantry or volunteer to help organize or distribute food to families, every bit counts and is appreciated.
Boca Helping Hands
Its pantry bag drive-thru pickup is Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at its main facility in east Boca Raton, but it also has pantry pickup locations throughout the Palm Beaches in West Boca, Delray, Boynton and Lake Worth. The nonprofit also offers a Hot Meal Program for those needing a hot, nutritious meal, and that distribution happens in East Boca and Lake Worth. Check the website for days and times.
1500 N.W. 1st Ct. Boca Raton; 561/417-0913; bocahelpinghands.org/hours-and-locations
Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County
Offering assistance to farm workers, this nonprofit hosts a variety of health, education, and financial programs for families, including food distribution to some of our community’s most hardworking yet underserved populations.
1123 Crestwood Blvd., Lake Worth; 561/533-7227; farmworkercouncil.com
Loving Hands for the Needy
The Boynton Beach-based nonprofit has a food distribution pantry to serve Palm Beach residents open on Fridays from 2 – 4 p.m.
3100 South Congress Ave., Boynton Beach; 561/305-5268; lovefortheneedy.org
Salvation Army
The food distribution, on a first-come, first-served basis, happens on the last Friday of every month between 9 – 11 a.m. If it falls on a holiday, call for an alternate date.
2122 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561/686-3530; salvationarmyflorida.org/westpalmbeach/#services