According to the United Way of Central Florida, 11.2% of Polk County residents experience food insecurity, and local food programs are feeling the squeeze with record-high distribution. Lend a hand to neighbors in need by donating groceries, money, or your time to these Lakeland food banks.

kidsPACK
Program Manager Amy Royal told us there are 122 children on kidsPACK's waitlist. Sponsor a child for the rest of the school year for $400, or donate the program's most needed food items.

United Way of Central Florida
UWCF serves 300,000+ visitors per year through its George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative, including local food pantries. It also reactivated its United Community Relief Fund, which is now accepting donations for emergency food assistance.

Dream Center of Lakeland
Donate unexpired food, clothing, and hygiene items to stock weekly distribution events. The Dream Center also put out a call for volunteers available on weekday mornings.

Volunteers in Service to the Elderly
Volunteer as a delivery driver or warehouse worker to supply older adults with supplemental groceries and weekly hot meals. The whole family can also get involved during VISTE's busy Thanksgiving season.

Combee Connection
It costs up to $500 per week to run this ministry's Community Resource Center, plus Food For Families pop-ups. Donate nonperishable food or money to keep costs low, and pitch in during Thursday evening distributions.

Talbot House Ministries
Among this nonprofit's most urgent needs are individually packaged snacks, and it's always accepting nonperishable foods, bottled drinks, and seasonings — just leave opened foods at home.

Moving Hope
Mobile food pantries will pop up at six sites throughout November and could use donations to serve families in need.

Lighthouse Ministries
Individuals and families can volunteer to serve meals in the men's + women's centers, and large groups can sign up together to box food at the Lakeland distribution center.

Lake Gibson Methodist Church Food Pantry
This church's pantry provides monthly groceries and weekly baked goods on Thursdays. Volunteers are invited to help for one- to two-hour periods.

Agape Mission Market
If you're up for a drive, Catholic Charities of Central Florida could use some help at its Lake Wales food pantry. The biggest current need is for volunteers who can do some heavy lifting — reach out for more details.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you know of a local organization that could use some help, drop us a line.