This story was updated at Monday, Nov. 20 at 12:15 p.m.
In a storeroom at United Way Miami, volunteers load box after box of Thanksgiving essentials — enough for 2,200 families.
Every year, volunteers and organizations across the region work to put more meals on the table, especially during the holiday season. Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 23.
Overall, about 9% of South Floridians don’t have enough to eat, according to the food bank Feeding South Florida. Among children, the rate rises to about 13%.
Karla Hernandez, senior vice president of development at United Way Miami, said food insecurity remains a daily struggle for many working families.
"These are families that work one, two, three jobs just to make ends meet — those are the families that we are helping. They’re hard workers. They are our neighbors," Hernandez said.
Below is a list of organizations across South Florida that are distributing food to families in need.
If you would like to volunteer your time, you can find some opportunities through Volunteer Florida, or if you want to donate supplies, you can also find a list of United Way agencies in Florida here.
Broward County
What: The City of West Park Free Food Distribution
Where: 3501 SW 56th Ave, West Park, FL 33023
When: Monday, Nov. 20 |10:00 a.m. until supplies last
What: Miramar Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution (city residents only)
Where: Miramar Armory-Florida Army National Guard | 5001 Flamingo Road Miramar, FL 33025
When: Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Register online here.
Miami-Dade County
What: School Board Vice Chair Danny Espino Free Food Distribution
Where: 1401 Westward Dr, Miami Springs, FL 33166
When: Monday, Nov. 20 | 9:00 a.m. until supplies last
What: US Attorney’s Office Free Food Distribution
Where: Gwen Cherry Park | 7090 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, FL 33147
When: 9:00 a.m. until supplies last
Monroe County
General Florida Keys food and nutrition resources here.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County list of food pantries here.
You can drop off donations at the Palm Beach County Food Bank on Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The drop off is located 701 Boutwell Road, Suite A2, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461. You can also host your own food drive here.
What: Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
When: Monday Nov. 20, 2023 | 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach | 100 W. 20th Street Riviera Beach, FL 33404
