Palm Beach County officials, United Way of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County Food Bank held a press briefing at the county food bank to guide residents to local food resources after a temporary pause in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits put roughly 170,000 county residents at risk of short-term food shortages.

County Commissioner Joel Flores, who represents District 3, said the pause and related court activity have created “much uncertainty” for families and emphasized local partnerships to fill gaps. “Food is not a privilege. It's a basic human need,” Flores said.

The county’s message centered on three practical resources: the United Way Food Finder map (accessible by a QR code and at unitedwaypbc.org/hunger), the 211 phone line for people without internet or with language barriers, and local pantry sites coordinated by the Palm Beach County Food Bank. “If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please take this information,” County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said, noting the county’s role in convening partners.

Dr. James Green, director of Palm Beach County Community Services, asked residents to scan the QR code or call 211 for real-time locations, hours, phone numbers and eligibility rules. “This map has GIS location technology to pinpoint nearby food pantries, distribution sites, meal sites, and it includes the names of the sites, the address, the phone number, the day and time of the feedings and eligibility requirements,” Green said.

Lorie George, president and CEO of United Way of Palm Beach County, described the Food Finder as part of a larger Hunger Relief Initiative that brings together more than 180 nonprofits, faith groups, schools and government partners. George said the Food Finder was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has had roughly 550,000 hits over five years, and can help volunteers and donors plug into strategic local efforts. “Anybody out there that needs support, they are not alone,” George said.

Jamie Kendall, CEO of the Palm Beach County Food Bank, described an expanded need driven by rising grocery prices, federal workers missing paychecks and the suspension of SNAP loads. The food bank partners with about 150 agencies to run pantries, meal sites and school backpack programs. Kendall warned that even if a court order restores SNAP, “it’s still gonna be a week or 2 before those funds actually will be put back on the cards,” creating a critical short-term window of need.

Kendall also said the food bank has seen cuts to some USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program bonus loads, reducing incoming supply. Officials urged donations and volunteer help to sort and pack commodity boxes; the food bank asked volunteers to sign up via pbcfoodbank.org.

Officials repeatedly urged organizations conducting food drives to register with United Way so efforts can be coordinated to fill gaps. County administration said logistical distribution capacity and stockpiles are available to move supplies into the community as needed, but leaders cautioned that donations and volunteers are necessary to bridge the gap during the SNAP interruption.

There were no formal votes or resolutions at the briefing. County officials concluded by asking media partners to share the Food Finder link and 211 information with constituents so residents can quickly find local food assistance.