Palm Beach County Food Bank receives $75,000 grant for Groceries for Seniors

A participant displays nutritious groceries provided through the Palm Beach County Food Bank's Groceries for Seniors program. [Photo by Palm Beach County Food Bank]

The Palm Beach County Food Bank has received a $75,000 grant from Quantum Foundation to support its Groceries for Seniors program, which addresses nutritional challenges facing low-income older adults.

The grant will fund the distribution of shelf-stable groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and protein to seniors throughout the year. Each distribution is equivalent to 11.25 meals, and is designed to meet the nutritional needs of older adults.

Products include low-sodium and low-sugar items, whole grains and dried beans. Food selections follow MyPlate for Older Adults, a framework developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"Many older adults in Palm Beach County are living on fixed incomes and facing difficult decisions every day," says Jamie Kendall, CEO of the Palm Beach County Food Bank. "As housing costs, homeowners association fees, insurance premiums, utilities and other essential expenses continue to rise, far too many seniors are forced to choose between paying bills and putting healthy food on the table."

The Groceries for Seniors program provides nutritious food boxes to help older adults maintain healthy diets. [Photo by Palm Beach County Food Bank]

Food is distributed to partner agencies where older adults live, gather and receive medical care, with most locations receiving deliveries every other week. The program is designed to accommodate dietary preferences, digestive needs, transportation and mobility challenges, and varying levels of technology access. For seniors who are unable to pick up their food, agency staff deliver it directly to their homes or living facilities.

The program also offers cooking demonstrations at the Palm Beach County Food Bank's Michelle Hagerty Community Kitchen, where a chef prepares senior-friendly dishes. Participants can sample food, ask questions and take home ingredients. Transportation from local senior centers is provided.

The grant will support plans for onsite nutrition education sessions led by a registered dietitian.

The Palm Beach County Food Bank procures food from grocery stores, farmers, food distributors and wholesalers to distribute to over 200 community partners.

During 2025, the Food Bank distributed over 10.6 million meals to more than 194,000 residents.

Quantum Foundation was formed from $125 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. The foundation has assets of approximately $172 million and has awarded $184 million to Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations since its inception.

Seniors interested in participating in the Groceries for Seniors program can visit www.pbcfoodbank.org for information on distribution sites and eligibility.