United Way of Central Florida is fighting back against hunger in Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties
UWCF enacts community change by amplifying donor dollars with local matches, convening partners to improve efficiency and brokering only those services that produce the best possible return on investment in the areas of most critical need. Our partnerships are making immediate and lasting differences for individuals affected by inadequate access to food and nutrition. Whether you’re in need of distributions or you’re looking to join in the fight against hunger, you’ll find resources below.
Food Distribution
Click on a city below to learn more about relevant locations and schedules.
- Auburndale
- Bartow
- Fort Meade
- Frostproof
- Haines City
- Lake Wales
- Lakeland
- Mulberry
- Poinciana
- Polk City
- Winter Haven
Join in the fight against hunger
DONATE NON-PERISHABLE FOODS
Donating non-perishable food items is a great way to give back. Families experiencing food insecurity rely on donated food at food pantries to help them stretch their budgets. Focus on healthy foods like proteins and whole grains to help increase access to healthy food for local families. Or before you buy items, call ahead to a pantry to find out what they need most. Call or text 211 to find a list of organizations near you.
PICK UP FOOD FROM LOCAL FARMS, STORES AND RESTAURANTS
If a local farmer, grocery store or restaurant is willing to donate food, instead of throwing it out because it can’t be sold, volunteers are needed to collect those items and transport them to local organizations.
SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT AT A FOOD DISTRIBUTION
George W. Jenkins End Hunger food distributions need volunteers to sort food and pack boxes. Our distributions have shifted to drive-thru pickups. Volunteers are needed to put items in boxes and hand them out. Please sign up online so our team knows you will be joining us.
JOIN A BACKPACK FOOD DRIVE
With the closure of schools, many kids who received free or reduced school lunches, and sometimes breakfast, are going without those meals. One More Child and KidsPack create take-home bags that give kids access to the healthy, nutritious food they are missing. Volunteers are needed to collect items as well as organize the bags.
MEAL DELIVERY TO SENIORS
More seniors are unable to go to the grocery store, so the need for home-delivered meals is growing. Delivered meals help seniors in need maintain a well-balanced diet and stay healthy. Volunteers serve and deliver meals to seniors. Our meal delivery service has put in place measures to keep seniors and volunteers alike safe.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Receive updates from UWCF to learn about new challenges in our fight against hunger and to be the first to discover new partnership programs and distribution options. Sign up for emails through the form below.
