Across South Florida, residents and businesses are being called upon to "Go Orange" throughout September in observance of Hunger Action Month. Organized regionally by Feeding South Florida, the multi-week campaign is part of a nationwide push designed to shed light on local food insecurity while rallying civic resources, financial donations, and volunteer labor to combat widespread hunger across the region.
The initiative comes at a critical time for the regional safety net. Within South Florida's four major service territories—Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties—an estimated one million families face ongoing uncertainty about the source of their next meal. Among those grappling with food hardship are nearly 500,000 children and older adults, underscoring the deep demographic reach of the crisis.
Conceived nationally by Feeding America, Hunger Action Month is commemorated every September to convert public awareness into concrete community assistance. For this year's regional campaign, Feeding South Florida has designated "More Than A Meal" as its central theme. The organization emphasizes that emergency nutrition programs deliver far more than caloric intake; they are fundamental to preserving personal dignity, establishing household stability, and restoring hope for vulnerable residents.
Paco Vélez, the president and chief executive officer of Feeding South Florida, highlighted this comprehensive approach in an announcement marking the launch of the month's activities. Vélez noted that Hunger Action Month serves as an important reminder that every plate of food distributed signifies critical support, offering stability and relief to neighbors navigating severe economic and personal uncertainties.
To maximize the impact of private contributions during the month, major corporate backing is boosting grassroots giving. Delta Airlines has signed on as the presenting sponsor, establishing a dollar-for-dollar matching grant for all individual contributions up to a total of $25,000. Because the food bank operates at significant scale, each single dollar donated translates into approximately four nutritious meals for families in need.
In addition to traditional direct giving, community members can take part in a dedicated online auction held throughout the month. This digital fundraiser provides donors with an opportunity to bid on distinctive items and exclusive experiences, with all auction proceeds directly funding the non-profit's extensive hunger-relief logistics and distribution efforts across South Florida.
The campaign offers numerous avenues for grassroots public involvement. Residents, civic groups, and businesses are encouraged to organize virtual fund drives or collect shelf-stable groceries through local neighborhood food drives. Furthermore, several regional restaurants are partnering with the charity for "Dine out for a cause" promotions, pledging a portion of designated meal sales directly to the hunger-relief organization.
Advocacy and visibility remain core components of the September effort. Feeding South Florida is urging citizens to embrace the color orange—the official color of hunger awareness—by wearing orange clothing, hosting themed bake sales, or requesting that municipal landmarks illuminate their facades in orange light to keep the issue in the public spotlight.
Hands-on community service forms another pillar of the month's programming. Volunteers are needed to help sort and categorize donated goods inside the organization's regional warehouses. Additionally, individuals can register for kitchen shifts to assist in preparing fresh meals at the non-profit's Community Kitchen facility in Boynton Beach.
A series of high-profile events has been organized to engage corporate teams and the general public throughout the month. On September 18, Feeding South Florida will host its "Pack to Give Back" corporate challenge from 8:30 a.m. to noon, bringing workplace teams together to sort inventory and package essential meal boxes for distribution.
The following morning, on September 19, the organization will stage its annual Outrun Hunger 5K for Palm Beach County at Okeeheelee Park, situated at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Running from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., the family-oriented athletic gathering welcomes individual runners and team entries, featuring vendor booths and a designated Kids Zone.
The 5K event will be emceed by Noura Salman, a finalist from Season 39 of the television show Survivor and founder of SuperFreshies.com, alongside Kirk Gimenez, senior vice president at Brickell Capital Finance and an active member of Feeding South Florida's Advisory Council.
The campaign reaches its symbolic apex on September 29 with the observance of Hunger Action Day, also recognized as "Go Orange Day." To show solidarity, community members are encouraged to wear special "Hunger Heroes" t-shirts, which are available for purchase for $25 to help generate additional operational funds for hunger relief.
Feeding South Florida currently stands as the primary hunger-relief entity for South Florida, assisting over 1.7 million individuals each year. The organization coordinates its vast food distribution network in partnership with more than 350 community-based and non-profit partner agencies, pairing direct food assistance with ongoing advocacy and educational initiatives.
To support this expansive distribution operation, the food bank is currently advancing a significant infrastructure expansion. The City of Boynton Beach recently approved a modified site plan authorizing the construction of a new 32,000-square-foot warehouse facility. Located at Quantum Corporate Park along 4925 Park Ridge Blvd., near Interstate 95 and Gateway Boulevard, this modern facility represents the final phase of the organization's regional campus expansion designed to meet elevated community need.
(0)