13,080,134
Meals distributed
United Way is committed to eliminating barriers and building a stronger, healthier community. Our investments increase access to nutritious food and improve the overall health and well-being of children with special needs.
Too many Palm Beach County residents don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. Through our Hunger Relief Initiative, we are fighting food insecurity in our community by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to healthy food.
United Way leads the county-wide Hunger Relief Plan that focuses on alleviating hunger for children and seniors, building infrastructure across the county, and advocating at the federal level for hunger relief efforts. Since 2016, our hunger relief partners have collaborated to create unique and sustainable solutions to address food insecurity.
Income is often a barrier to obtaining critical services and interventions. In 2019, 63% of Palm Beach County children with disabilities lived in households experiencing financial hardship – 25% lived below the Federal Poverty Level, and an additional 38% were ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households who work hard but struggle to afford the basics, have little to no savings, and are often one emergency away from falling into poverty. Our Special Needs Initiative ensures that children with disabilities can gain access to the vital services and supports they need to thrive, including respite care, out of school time programming, and durable medical equipment.
