Local Non-Profit Kind Kitchen Faces Challenges Amid Rising Food Costs

Local non-profit Kind Kitchen in North Palm Beach is grappling with the rising costs of food, making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing needs of the community. The organization, which has been delivering meals since 1987, is seeing a surge in demand as food prices soar.

Key Takeaways

• Kind Kitchen has been serving the community since 1987.
• The organization has seen a 27% increase in food prices.
• Over 100 new families have signed up for meal deliveries in the past few months.
• The non-profit relies on donations and volunteers to operate.

Rising Demand and Costs

Since its inception in 1987, Kind Kitchen has been a lifeline for those struggling financially or physically in North Palm Beach. The organization provides free meal delivery services to a wide range of individuals, including young people with cancer, the elderly, the disabled, and those out of work. However, the recent surge in food prices has put a strain on their resources.

"Just in the last two or three months, we have over 100 more families," said Chani Ezaguwee, the founder of Kind Kitchen. "That’s several hundred more people asking for help from our group, and the phone doesn’t stop ringing."

The Impact of Rising Food Prices

The cost of food has skyrocketed by 27%, making it challenging for Kind Kitchen to maintain its operations. The organization has three full-time employees, but it relies heavily on volunteers for food delivery. Despite their best efforts, the rising costs are forcing them to make difficult decisions.

"We don’t like to turn people away, but sometimes I have to tell them to call back again next week," Ezaguwee explained. "We are responsible for our neighbors. Who is going to feed them if not us?"

Community Support and Donations

Kind Kitchen operates solely on donations, and the community’s support is more crucial than ever. The organization is urging people to contribute to help them continue their mission of feeding those in need. Volunteers also play a vital role in ensuring that meals are delivered to those who need them the most.

How You Can Help

If you are interested in supporting Kind Kitchen, consider the following ways to contribute:

1. Monetary Donations: Financial contributions can help cover the rising costs of food and other operational expenses.
2. Volunteering: Offer your time to help with meal deliveries or other tasks.
3. Spreading the Word: Raise awareness about the organization and its needs through social media and community events.

Kind Kitchen’s mission is more important than ever as they strive to support an increasing number of families in need. Your support can make a significant difference in their ability to continue providing this essential service.

Sources

• ‘Who is going to feed them?’: Local nonprofit struggles with rising food costs, WPTV.
• As food costs rise, local nonprofit Kind Kitchen struggles to keep up with needs of the community, Yahoo.
• ‘Who is going to feed them?’: Local nonprofit struggles with rising food costs, WFLX.