Here’s How You Can Decrease Food Insecurity in Broward County
by Alexis Basgil, MPA, Director of Financial Prosperity and Emergency Management at United Way Broward
Every year on October 16, the world observes World Food Day, a time to reflect on the global fight against hunger and the importance of food security for all. Established by the United Nations, this day calls attention to the bleak reality that over 800 million people worldwide still suffer from chronic hunger.
For Broward County, hunger isn’t a distant problem; it’s here in our neighborhoods. It’s the child who goes to school without breakfast, the Veteran who skips meals to pay rent, the elderly neighbor who rations groceries.
Many individuals and families struggle to put nutritious meals on the table. From single parents working multiple jobs to seniors living on fixed incomes, food insecurity is a daily challenge affecting tens of thousands of people across Broward County.
Nearly 40% of Florida families living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold report that their children do not have enough to eat due to financial hardships. These families earn just enough income to be classified as above the federal poverty level, but they still cannot afford the basic costs of living for essentials such as food, housing, utilities, healthcare, childcare, and transportation.
• Many households do not earn a livable wage, and low wages combined with high living costs make it difficult for families to afford nutritious food.
• The high cost of housing in Broward County often forces families to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.
• Some areas are considered “food deserts” — places where residents have limited access to healthy, affordable food due to lack of nearby stores and reliable transportation.
• Seniors and other vulnerable populations may experience social isolation, limiting their abilities to access food-assistance programs.
• Rising inflation continues to increase the cost of food, worsening food insecurity for many households.
In 2009, United Way Broward launched Project Lifeline, a transformative hunger-relief initiative delivering fresh, nutritious food to people in need. Unlike traditional food programs that rely heavily on canned and processed goods, Project Lifeline prioritizes health and dignity by distributing fresh produce, dairy, meats, and grains.
The program operates through a streamlined supply chain: United Way Broward purchases food in bulk from local vendors and farms, ensuring both quality and cost-efficiency. Over the past year alone, Project Lifeline has distributed more than 1 million lbs. of healthy food, and over 500,000 people in Broward County have been served.
These numbers illustrate the lives that have been uplifted — children who can concentrate in school, seniors who no longer must choose between medicine and groceries, and families who are supported rather than forgotten.
Project Lifeline’s impact is expanding across Broward County through a network of 30 food pantries and meal programs. Each of these locations offer resources, connections, and care. Click here for a list of Project Lifeline’s food-distribution sites.
Project Lifeline also extends beyond food distribution. For example, this program provides pantry-friendly recipes, helping people make the most of what they receive. Volunteers offer guidance and support, helping recipients feel welcomed and respected. Project Lifeline’s emphasis on fresh food improves physical health as well as restores a sense of dignity often lost in the struggle against poverty.
This World Food Day, take a stand against food insecurity. When you donate to United Way Broward, you’re helping ensure that no child goes to bed hungry, no senior goes for days without a meal, and no family faces their challenges alone. Your support directly funds the purchase and distribution of fresh, healthy food throughout Broward County — helping individuals and families rise, thrive, and build stronger futures. You can make a significant impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Every dollar makes a tremendous difference:
• $2,500 buys 1,250 lbs. of fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins
• $1,000 provides 500 people with nutritious meals
• $250 provides 125 lbs. of fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein
• $100 buys 50 lbs. of food
• $50 buys 25 lbs. of food
• $25 feeds 10 to 12 people with a healthy meal
Let’s nourish hope, let’s bring fresh food to people in Broward, and let’s make this year’s World Food Day memorable.