Amid the federal government shutdown, Palm Beach County officials are urging those struggling to afford food to seek alternative options across the county that provide free meals.
“We want to be sure that no man, woman or child ever goes hungry here in Palm Beach County. Your county government is working hard to be sure that we have enough food for everyone here in the county,” Commissioner Maria Sachs said at a news conference Monday. “And it’s important that our residents know where to go.”
President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program, or SNAP, will be partially funded in November after two judges issued rulings requiring the program to remain subsidized. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the SNAP, had planned to freeze payments starting Nov. 1.
But it’s unclear when SNAP recipients could receive their partial benefits.
“The difference between partial and full, it’s a half a glass of water when you really need a full glass of water. It’s not sustainable in the long run. But we will always celebrate when additional help comes,” said Andrew Hagen, Boca Helping Hands’ executive director, in an interview with the Sun Sentinel. Boca Helping Hands provides food, job training, access to health care and financial assistance to people in Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton.
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In Palm Beach County, 166,000 people use SNAP, Sachs said.
Palm Beach County Community Services Director James Green encouraged residents to use the United Way food finder website, at unitedwaypbc.org, to find free food near them. The map has locations such as churches and recreation centers.
“Whether you’re a struggling parent looking to find dinner for your family, these tools are there in real time,” Green said.
The resources available at food-distribution sites across the county are not only available to those who use SNAP — anyone experiencing food insecurity can receive help.
“To be eligible, somebody just simply might not know where their next meal is coming from,” Palm Beach County Food Bank CEO Jamie Kendall said at the new conference. “Whether you have SNAP benefits or not, we’re here to fill that gap.”
In Broward County, United Way Broward is operating Project Lifeline to help those affected by the government shutdown by providing access to food, water and shelter. Other organizations and businesses — such as Feeding South Florida, Subculture Group restaurants and ChildNet — are providing supplies as well.
“Food is not a privilege. It’s a basic human need,” Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores said at Monday’s news conference.
Palm Beach County Commissioners Maria Sachs, left, and Joel Flores speak during a news conference at the Palm Beach County Food Bank in Lake Worth, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
