Farm Share Drive-Thru Food Distribution Returns to Palm Bay this Thursday
Critical Food Relief: Drive-thru distribution this Thursday at Fred Poppe Park as federal shutdown impacts local families.
Palm Bay, FL - As the record-breaking federal government shutdown drags into its 40th day, uncertainty is rippling through Palm Bay kitchens. With November SNAP benefits in chaos—facing delays and partial payments following conflicting court orders this weekend—the need for local support has arguably never been higher.
In response to this growing gap in essential resources, State Representative Monique Miller is partnering with Farm Share for a critical emergency food distribution event this Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The event will provide fresh produce and non-perishable goods to any household in need on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Immediate Need
While Farm Share distributions are a regular occurrence in Brevard County, this week’s event carries extra weight. The ongoing stalemate in Washington has left thousands of Florida families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) facing a “hunger cliff” this month.
“Our community has never needed it more,” Rep. Miller noted in an announcement for the event, urging residents to spread the word to neighbors who might be struggling due to the current economic climate.
For many seniors, veterans, and working families in Palm Bay waiting for federal relief that may not arrive in time, this drive-thru could mean the difference between a full pantry and an empty table this weekend.
Event Details & Logistics
To ensure safety and efficiency, this will be a drive-thru only event. Attendees must arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo area capable of holding food.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (or until supplies run out)
Location: Fred Poppe Regional Park
Address: 370 Championship Circle NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907 (near the softball fields)
Cost: Free to all attendees.
Important Note: These events frequently reach capacity before the scheduled end time. Residents are encouraged to arrive early.
Beyond the Handout: Fighting Waste
While providing emergency aid is its most visible function, Farm Share’s mission is twofold: fighting hunger and fighting food waste.
Established in 1991, Farm Share is Florida’s largest homegrown food bank. It operates by recovering surplus fresh produce from Florida farmers—fruits and vegetables that are perfectly nutritious but might be rejected by grocery chains due to minor cosmetic imperfections or size differences. Instead of letting this food be plowed under in the fields, Farm Share redirects it to tables across the state.
The scale of this operation is massive. In 2022 alone, Farm Share distributed more than 104 million pounds of food to over 23 million households statewide.
Uniquely, Farm Share does not charge its partner agencies any fees to receive this food. This allows smaller, grassroots organizations in communities like Palm Bay to access resources they might otherwise be unable to afford.
How to Help
If you don’t need assistance this Thursday but know someone who might—especially those impacted by the current lapse in federal benefits—please share this information with them.
For questions regarding the event, you can contact Representative Miller’s office directly at 321-497-8170.