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As more families across the Treasure Coast struggle with rising grocery prices, housing costs and economic uncertainty, the Treasure Coast Food Bank says the need for food assistance continues to grow.
The organization serves as the largest hunger relief network in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties, providing food and support services to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Feed the Need: Treasure Coast Food Bank expands capacity as demand for hunger relief grows. (WPEC)
“For many people, hunger doesn’t look the way they expect it to,” said Treasure Coast Food Bank CEO Judy Cruz. “The face of hunger really is the person that looks like you and I.”
Cruz said inflation, higher fuel costs and broader economic uncertainty have placed additional pressure on household budgets, leading more people to seek assistance.
While many residents interact directly with food pantries and meal programs, the Treasure Coast Food Bank plays a larger behind-the-scenes role. As a member of the Feeding America network, the organization helps supply approximately 300 local agencies and nonprofit organizations that distribute food throughout the region.
Feed the Need: Treasure Coast Food Bank expands capacity as demand for hunger relief grows. (WPEC)
“Food assistance happens in all different ways, and it takes a community to do that,” Cruz said.
The organization distributed more than 52 million pounds of food last year — equivalent to roughly 57 million meals across the Treasure Coast.
Feed the Need: Treasure Coast Food Bank expands capacity as demand for hunger relief grows. (WPEC)
However, Cruz said recent federal cuts have created new challenges for hunger relief organizations nationwide.
“Philanthropy can’t meet the gap with the cuts that we have been seeing at the federal level,” Cruz said. “It’s really impacted our resources.”
Feed the Need: Treasure Coast Food Bank expands capacity as demand for hunger relief grows. (WPEC)
To help meet growing demand, the Treasure Coast Food Bank recently moved into a larger warehouse facility. Leaders say the expanded space allows them to store more food, support additional community partners and strengthen emergency response operations during hurricanes and other disasters.
Feed the Need: Treasure Coast Food Bank expands capacity as demand for hunger relief grows. (WPEC)
“We’re standing in a very new warehouse that we’re moving into to help us increase our ability to not only serve our neighbors on a daily basis, but also be that support in the face of a disaster,” Cruz said.
Volunteers remain a critical part of the operation.
Feed the Need: Treasure Coast Food Bank expands capacity as demand for hunger relief grows. (WPEC)
Tatiana Russo is one of the many volunteers who helps sort, pack and prepare food donations that ultimately reach families across the region.
“It’s a sparkle in the face when they see us coming,” Russo said.
She said volunteering has allowed her to see firsthand the impact the organization has on local communities.
“It’s a very good and nice organization to help out this whole Treasure Coast,” Russo said.
Feed the Need: Treasure Coast Food Bank expands capacity as demand for hunger relief grows. (WPEC)
In addition to food distribution, the Treasure Coast Food Bank offers workforce development and job training programs designed to help individuals build long-term stability.
Leaders say community support remains especially important as demand continues to rise. The organization estimates that a $10 donation can help provide approximately 80 meals for local families in need.
“It does take a village to make a healthy community,” Cruz said.
The Feed the Need campaign helps those in your community fight hunger. (WPEC)
Those interested in donating, volunteering or seeking assistance can learn more through the Treasure Coast Food Bank and CBS12’s Feed the Need campaign.