Our Goal | Challenge:
The Pantry of Broward is a 501(c)3 organization registered with the State of Florida. The Pantry was founded in 2008 by Elizabeth “B.J. Buntrock,” a local philanthropist who saw the need for a charitable organization that could address the unique needs of seniors and grandparents raising their grandchildren on fixed incomes. In addition to providing its 425 clients with a 55-pound box of nutritional foods each month, The Pantry’s clinical director meets with each client to determine their additional needs (and those of the children they are raising) and assist them with applying for and obtaining food stamps (The Pantry is a community access partner for SNAP), government assistance, affordable housing, discounted utilities, transportation assistance and low-cost healthcare services, as needed.
The Pantry of Broward serves seniors in need living on low, fixed incomes and grandparents raising their grandchildren throughout Broward county
Our Services
The Pantry of Broward is a “one-stop shop” for seniors (ages 60+) struggling to live on low fixed incomes and grandparents raising their grandchildren. Each of our clients meets with our Director of Client Services regularly to review their individual needs and determine how The Pantry of Broward can best help them. Typical services provided include:
Nutritional Food Monthly
Each month, The Pantry of Broward provides its 425 clients with a 55-pound box of nutritional food, including fresh fruits and vegetables and breads. According to USDA calculations, this food is enough to prepare at least 46 meals each month — more than half of the 90 recommended meals per month for each client. To further provide hunger assistance, The Pantry serves as a community partner for the Department of Children and Families and can assist qualified clients with applying for food stamp benefits. We estimate that this food helps 1,000 individuals each month, including 165 grandchildren.
Affordable Housing
Many of our clients are in need of housing they can afford and/or repairs to their existing homes. The Pantry of Broward serves as a resource for identifying subsidized senior housing opportunities and guides clients through the approval process, advocating for them as needed. In addition, The Pantry partners with area businesses to provide home repair services in an effort to create a safer and more secure living environment and offers emergency assistance with utility and rent payments.
A Helping Hand
Grandparents thrust into the role of caring for their grandchildren often need assistance with obtaining benefits for those children and need legal custody to apply for those benefits. The Pantry of Broward walks those clients through the proper channels so that they can work through the court system to obtain that custody. Once the custody is received, The Pantry provides its clients with assistance in obtaining all the benefits to which they are entitled and provides the kids with school supplies and holiday gifts.
In Addition
We also assist our clients with guidance to affordable healthcare and medication, as well as try to assist them with their unique individual needs.