CEO's Desk

Dear Neighbor,

Happy New Year, and best wishes for 2023! After receiving a handwritten note last month from a generous donor who paid a good deed forward by donating to the food bank, I reflected on why paying it forward matters.

Paying it forward is doing a good deed for someone else instead of paying someone back for a good deed. Maya Angelou captured the impact of 

paying it forward when she wrote, “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” When we give back, we are changing someone’s 

circumstance. We’re all neighbors living together, but it takes a village of dedicated volunteers, donors, and supporters to ensure everyone in our community receives the food necessary to survive as the need for food 

continues to rise in today’s evolving economy. 

With your generous support, we are accomplishing our mission of 

alleviating hunger for over 157,000 children, families, seniors, and neighbors who struggle in Palm Beach County. Together, we achieved a 

record-breaking distribution of more than 11 million meals in 2022! Thank you for living generously and inspiring compassion here at home.

Will you “throw something back” to support our expanding nutrition 

programs, such as Childhood Hunger Initiatives, Groceries for Seniors, 

Benefits Outreach, and Partner Marketplace? We’re all better when we pay it forward.

Together, we nourish,

Jamie Kendall, CEO

The Club at Ibis 13th Annual Food Drive

Thank you for all your support, Ibis! Richard, Ibis resident, shared that food drives were inspired by two residents, John and Hal. “As a community, we’re motivated to improve the number of pounds we collect year after year. It’s amazing to be able to give back to the community. Anyone can do it. It’s simple to get started.” 

Benefits Outreach Program

John

“I’m 66 years old and homeless…I sleep wherever I can find a place. I was worried about losing my food stamps because I need those to eat. One of my buddies told me to go to ‘St. Ann Place’ so the food bank could help me with my application. My food stamps are good now. Thank you to Mr. Riquet for treating me with dignity and respect.”

Partner Marketplace

Laurel

I referred clients to Arms of Hope, and then I lost my job with the government during COVID. That’s when I started thinking about coming to Arms of Hope…maybe about two months ago…that’s the first time I came for myself. 

Since I’ve started coming here, I notice that people seem more depressed and anxious…the need is incredible. You see a wide range of people coming to get food. Many of them are highly educated…formerly middle-class, but they come here because they can no longer afford to feed themselves.

Events

Empty Bowls in the Gardens and Empty Bowls Delray Beach

In September 2022, the food bank held its inaugural ‘Empty Bowls in the Gardens’ fundraiser with Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. With more than 200 community guests in attendance, this event was a huge success and a delightful treat for the Northern Palm Beach County community. Guests had the opportunity to taste a variety of soups donated by local restaurants. 

We held ‘Empty Bowls Delray Beach’ on December 10th at the beautiful Trinity Delray Lutheran Church and School. More than 350 guests enjoyed the taste of 30-plus soups donated by local restaurants and chefs. Old School Bakery provided delicious fresh baked rolls for all to enjoy.

Collectively, both ‘Empty Bowls’ events raised $113,510 to provide 567,550 meals to our community in need. We are truly grateful to all our restaurant partners and event sponsors who made these fundraisers possible. Our team looks forward to another fantastic year of alleviating hunger.

Join us on February 17, 2023, for our ‘10th 

Annual Empty Bowls Palm Beach’ at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea. We are excited to host this event on-site in the beautiful and tranquil church garth. 

For more information, to sponsor, 

or to purchase tickets, visit