Free food distributions & resources for residents in need

Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants.

Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations.

This list is periodically revised to reflect new distribution sites. It's wise to phone or verify on social websites if an event is on the day you're interested in.

Featured event

Free Health Fair with distributions of fresh produce and other food items 9 a.m. November 2, with free entry. The event is at Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW Ninth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33315. The event includes free health check-ups, health information and opportunities to nab gift cards.

Farm Share

Farm Share is a nonprofit organization that distributes fruits, vegetables and other food items, offers drive-through distribution events in Florida. Free food items provided usually include fresh produce, nonperishable items and water. To obtain food, you need to arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed. Information on drive-through pickups is online. First-come, first served. Financial donations are accepted via FarmShare.org

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Dial 2-1-1 for information and referrals for food distributions  in your region, including greater Palm Beach, Broward and Dade.

Feeding South Florida

Feeding South Florida and its partners offer occasional free food distribution events in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The website also offers a list of participating organizations. Information is on the web

Sister Robin Street Market

Vegetables and bread food drive-through distribution, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. first and third Saturdays October – May, 451 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Information on Facebook . 

La Bodega

La Bodega food pantry at Allapatah YMCA  offers food distributions 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays – Fridays, 2370 NW 17 Avenue, Miami, 305- 635-9622, website.  Tickets to receive items are handed out at 1 p.m., while supplies last.  It's wise to phone ahead to be sure the event is on the day you are interested in.

Urban Oasis Project

Urban Oasis Project offers boxes of local produce to eligible recipients in Miami-Dade. The request form is online.

Palm Beach Food Bank

The food bank offers information on participating organizations that provide food distributions.

Summer food program for students

The summer food program for kids 18 and younger is offered at participating schools, libraries and other public locations in Broward, Dade and greater Palm Beach.  Some participating venues serve breakfast. Others serve lunch. Some serve both. For most of the venues, no registration is required. The program is presented by US Department of Agriculture and partners.

Venues providing the free breakfasts, lunches and snacks are offered online, by text, or by phone.

• log on to the website
• text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304
• dial 2-1-1 on your phone

Organizations offering free or inexpensive Pet Food

• Tamarac Pet Pantry for eligible residents of Tamarac
• The Pet Project for eligible Broward residents, 954-568-5678, Information about the organization and donating is online

School programs

Free and reduced-price lunches and breakfast are offered for students at public schools.

• Broward School District
• Palm Beach county School District
• Miami Dade School District

Other food distribution programs: 

Eligibility requirements may vary. Hours occasionally are revised. It's wise to phone or verify on social platforms before you go.

• Seed of Hope Ministries: occasional food distributions; information on Facebook
• Worship Center Blessed Ministries: 1793 Opa-Locka Blvd., Opa-Locka; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays; 786-704-2009
• Craig's Pantry, for Jewish Broward residents that fit eligibility requirements, 954-648-6359, craigspantry.org
• Riviera Presbyterian Church: 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami; 305-666-8586; provides families with  nonperishable items Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while supplies last. Walk-up distribution. Financial donations are accepted via rivierachurch.org
• Curley's House of Style: 6025 NW Sixth Court, Miami; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 305-754-7784 or 305-759-9805
• Unity Baptist Church, 13001 NW Seventh Ave., North Miami; usually 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 786-486-0898
• True Deliverance Church: 18300 SW 109th Ave., Miami; Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon; 305-254-2163; drive-thru operation
• King Jesus International Ministry drive-thru: 13850 SW 143rd Court, Miami, or church lot, 14100 SW 144th Ave., Miami; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m., while supplies last (early arrival recommended); 305-382-3171.
• Soref JCC in Plantation, food pantry with drive-thru pickups by appointment; participants need to register with a partnering social service agency. For information on social service agencies, use Broward  2-1-1, online or call 211.

Food for students during summer

Free food for kids and teens is offered at libraries, schools and other venues in Broward, greater Palm Beach and Dade when school is on break.

For sites where food is distributed log online, dial 2-1-1 or Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304

Food aid for seniors:

• Health in the Hood is distributing food to Miami's most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, through its “Filling Fridges” project.
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami is providing meals to those in need 60 or older, who live independently in their homes and are registered with the program. Information: 305-754-2444 or online
• Glory Temple Ministry, 7950 NW 22nd Ave., Miami, open only to seniors in urgent need. Call 305-456-5217 to ask for help
• Meals On Wheels South Florida offers free food to eligible homebound seniors.  Info: 954-714-6946 or online
• Aging & Disability Resource Center assists with food delivery for seniors who self-quarantined, 954-745-9779 for information
• Pantry of Broward offers food assistance program in Broward, including home deliveries, for seniors and grandparents with legal custody of grandchildren. Information on eligibility online or 954-358-1481

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Free & inexpensive things to do this weekend in South Florida

Restaurant deals

• Burger King offers $1 Whoppers for limited time
• Red Cup Day: Get free reusable red cup at Starbucks Nov. 14
• Enjoy 10 Chicken McNuggets for just $1 every week at McDonald’s
• Arby’s offers 2 For $6 Everyday Value Menu
• Taco Bell offers rare $10 bonus gift cards
• Enjoy Thanksgiving feast in 2024 for less than $7 per person at Walmart
• Ikea restaurants offer veggie entree for $3 & other deals
• Enjoy any size soft drink for just $1 at Wendy’s for limited time
• Taco Bell’s Cravings Value Menu offers 13 popular items at $3 or less
• Domino’s gives away free Emergency Pizzas