On Hunger Action Day, a cornerstone of September’s Hunger Action Month, the Palm Beach County Food Bank teamed with the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts to launch a massive meal‑packing drive. The event, called “Pack to Give Back,” took place in the Kravis Center’s Gimelstob Ballroom, where roughly 1,200 volunteers worked in an assembly‑line fashion to scoop pasta, label bags, seal boxes and prepare the meals for distribution.
“We are here to make a difference in the community,” said Jamie Kendall, CEO of the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Kendall highlighted that this is the third year of the partnership with the Kravis Center. “Last year we did 297,000 meals, which was over what we did the first year. So this year we’ve set the goal a little higher at 300,000 meals, and I am absolutely sure with the amount of volunteers that we have coming out, we’ll reach that goal,” she added.
Diane Quinn, CEO of the Kravis Center, praised the venue’s role as a community hub. “The Kravis Center is a giant pinnacle for the community… today we’re using our Gimelstob Ballroom as this kind of event where we can actually give back to the community,” Quinn said.
The timing of the drive is critical. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is facing a major funding shake‑up at the end of the month, leaving many working‑class families vulnerable. Kendall noted, “There are a lot of working‑class families that are struggling to make ends meet. They’re that one flat tire away, that one medical emergency away from making sure they have enough money to cover their food budget. So we’re here to help.”
Once packed, the meals will be distributed through the food bank’s network of 150 partner agencies across Palm Beach County, ensuring that the aid reaches families in need wherever they reside.
The event underscores the power of local volunteerism and the importance of private‑nonprofit partnerships in addressing hunger. By leveraging the Kravis Center’s facilities and the dedication of community members, the Palm Beach County Food Bank aims to provide a tangible safety net for families during a period of uncertainty.
Why the effort matters
Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in South Florida, with many households relying on SNAP benefits and charitable assistance. The collaborative effort between the food bank and the performing arts center demonstrates how faith‑based values, traditional family support, and individual liberty to help one another can translate into concrete action.
Local leaders and faith‑based groups have long advocated for stronger safety nets that respect family autonomy while providing essential resources. This meal‑packing drive aligns with those principles, offering immediate relief without imposing government overreach.
As the community continues to navigate economic pressures, events like this serve as a reminder that caring neighbors and institutions can make a decisive impact on the well‑being of families across the county.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
