Feeding South Florida Sees Growing Demand Amid Economic Turmoil

Nonprofit food pantry struggles to meet needs as war, shutdowns, and inflation drive up costs for struggling families.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:18pm

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Feeding South Florida, a nonprofit food pantry serving the region from Palm Beach to Monroe County, is seeing a surge in demand as the war in Iran, partial government shutdowns, and rising inflation drive up the cost of food and gas for local families. The organization's CEO, Paco Velez, says more people are coming in "worried about their rent, worried about fuel and their food costs." One local resident, Carlos Paez, says his grocery bill has jumped from $90 to over $120 due to the price hikes, making the food assistance from Feeding South Florida crucial for his family.

Why it matters

The economic volatility caused by global events and government dysfunction is putting a major strain on low-income families in South Florida, forcing many to rely on food banks and pantries like Feeding South Florida to make ends meet. The growing demand highlights the ripple effects of higher oil prices, inflation, and political instability on vulnerable communities.

The details

Feeding South Florida serves about 1 million people annually across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. In recent months, the organization has seen a surge in families seeking assistance as gas and grocery prices have spiked. The 43-day federal government shutdown earlier this year, combined with the ongoing partial shutdown and the war in Iran, have all contributed to the economic pressures facing local residents.

  • The 43-day federal government shutdown ended in early 2026.
  • The partial government shutdown has continued for several months.
  • The war in Iran began impacting global oil supplies in late 2025.

The players

Feeding South Florida

A nonprofit organization that operates food pantries and distribution centers serving low-income families across South Florida.

Paco Velez

The CEO of Feeding South Florida, who has overseen the organization's response to the growing demand for food assistance in the region.

Carlos Paez

A local resident who has turned to Feeding South Florida for help as his grocery and gas costs have risen sharply in recent months.

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What they’re saying

“We are finding families coming in here worried about their rent, worried about fuel and their food costs.”

— Paco Velez, CEO, Feeding South Florida

“Well, I spend at least $90 every time I go to the grocery store. Even with the gas, it's unbelievable. I paid $2.50 or $2.60 before, and now it's $3.79. We are trying to survive.”

— Carlos Paez

What’s next

Feeding South Florida is working to secure additional funding and resources to meet the growing demand for food assistance in the region as the economic challenges continue.

The takeaway

The strain on low-income families in South Florida underscores the far-reaching impacts of global conflicts, political instability, and economic volatility on vulnerable communities. Organizations like Feeding South Florida play a crucial role in providing a safety net and supporting families struggling to make ends meet.