Proposed Budget Cuts Threaten Food Security in South Florida
Miami, FL – August 2, 2025 – proposed budget cuts by Miami-Dade County officials could severely impact local food pantries, jeopardizing access to essential food assistance for thousands of residents already struggling with rising costs. The Matthew 25 Food Pantry, a key resource for the community, is among those facing potential reductions in support, raising alarms about increased food insecurity.
The pantry, which serves approximately 2,000 individuals monthly, relies heavily on partners like Farm Share, a primary food provider. However, planned cuts to Community-Based Organization (CBO) funding, which includes support for farm Share, could cripple the pantry’s ability to meet growing demand.
“The budget is under review and there will be some cuts to the local food bank Farm Share, which is one of our main partners that provides us with food at this pantry,” said Iani Carvalho, director of the Matthew 25 Food Pantry.
Pantry visitors like Jackie Villalobos expressed deep concern about the potential consequences. “This puts food on the table, especially for the people that have children. now school starts – we need snacks, you need lunch, you need breakfast, and again everything has been so expensive,” Villalobos stated. She added, “A lot of people are going to suffer, especially the children, the adults are going to go somewhat hungry, because I as a mother would give my food to my children before I eat, my children will not be hungry.”
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava acknowledged the difficult decisions, explaining that the cuts are a necessary measure to address the county’s $402 million deficit. “There are a number of food pantries that have been receiving grant dollars through the county, and as of right now they are not in the budget,” Levine Cava said.”So we hope for a miracle or manna from heaven, but right now to get to that 402 figure we’ve cut over 300 jobs, we’ve merged departments, we’ve done some salary reductions.”
The impact of these cuts could be meaningful, as the Matthew 25 Food Pantry has seen a 300% increase in first-time visitors. Carvalho warned, “Any cuts will then impact them, they will not get the fresh fruits and vegetables, the highly nutritious food that we look for.”
According to Feeding America, nearly 280,000 people in Miami-Dade County are currently food insecure. Carvalho fears that without adequate support, many families will struggle to feed themselves. “For them not being able to come here and fill a grocery cart every two weeks, they might not be able to feed their families,” she said. “They may have to find other places to get food. I’m not sure how much availability we have, but people will start to go hungry.”
Catholic Charities is urging the public to voice their support for continued food assistance funding at two upcoming budget meetings with the mayor:
August 4 at 6 p.m. – Westchester Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way, Miami
August 5 at 6 p.m. – Arcola Lakes Senior Center, 8401 NW 14th Ave., Miami
Catholic Charities and other nonprofit organizations will be present at both meetings to advocate for the families who rely on these vital services.
