Hunger in Palm Beach
Beyond the Wealth
Palm Beach County is often celebrated as a hub of immense wealth, but behind the record-breaking tourism and luxury real estate lies a startling reality. For thousands of our neighbors, the daily struggle isn't about property values—it's about where their next meal will come from.
To understand the true state of our community, we have to look at the data that often goes unseen.
The Numbers Behind the Need
While our county continues to grow, so does the "meal gap." Current data reveals a community in a quiet crisis:
192,410 Residents: The number of people in Palm Beach County currently struggling with food insecurity.
51,000 Children: Nearly 1 in 6 children in our county go to bed hungry tonight.
The Cost of a Meal: The average cost of a single meal in our county has risen to $4.28, creating a total annual food budget shortfall of over $155 million.
The "ALICE" Population: Working but Struggling
Perhaps the most misunderstood group in our county is ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but cannot afford a basic "Survival Budget".
46% of Households: Nearly half of all homes in Palm Beach County struggle to make ends meet.
The Gap: While 11% of our neighbors live in poverty, another 35% are ALICE. These are our teachers, health aides, and retail workers who earn too much for government assistance like SNAP but not enough to keep their pantries full.
A Closer Look at Riviera Beach
The need is particularly concentrated in areas like Riviera Beach, where the economic pressure is even higher:
18.4% Poverty Rate: This is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%.
Education Impact: Over half of the students in the Palm Beach County School District qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, highlighting the critical role schools and local pantries play in child nutrition.
How Your Support Changes the Story
Eden’s Table and it’s network are on the front lines, distributing food to all of Palm Beach County.
The Statistics
It can be overwhelming, but the solution is local. By supporting your neighborhood pantry, you are directly helping the 46% of our community that is just one unexpected expense away from a crisis.
