Florida Statewide Hunger Action and Power Summit

What We Heard: Hunger Is Growing Across Florida Participants shared firsthand accounts of the growing challenges facing families and communities across the state. From increasingly long food pantry lines in Pinellas County to reports of nearly 300 families seeking food in Sanford in a single day, participants described rising demand for emergency food assistance. One church in Orlando distributed food to more than 325 people in a single day, while an elementary school pantry reported serving 100 children by the end of the previous school year. Behind these numbers are families making difficult choices. One participant described hunger as skipping dinner so children can have enough to eat. Others spoke about families choosing between food, housing, health needs, and transportation; children helping shoulder the burden of feeding their households; and the emotional stress that accompanies financial insecurity. Participants also highlighted the challenges facing food banks and pantries as rising transportation costs and limited food supplies make it harder to meet growing needs. Meanwhile, community organizations, churches, schools, and food rescuers are collaborating to get food to families and connect people with available assistance. Concerns about SNAP reductions and the combined economic pressures facing older adults were also raised. The message was clear: Hunger affects health, dignity, family stability, and the ability to thrive. Yet the conversation also demonstrated the determination of Florida communities to respond. Our challenge is to match that community commitment with the resources, policies, and partnerships needed to ensure every Floridian has access to nutritious food.