OKEECHOBEE -- Community organizations are stepping up to help feed Okeechobee area residents who are struggling with food costs. 

Food pantries

First Baptist Church – Mission House, 309 S.W. Fourth Ave., Okeechobee, 863-763-6575; Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.

Joani’s Exchange, 206 N. Parrott Ave., Okeechobee, 863-447-0473; Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. NOTE: there is a $3 handling fee per filled bag of food for SNAP recipients with Okeechobee addresses (proof of address required); $5 handling fee per filled bag of food for non-SNAP recipients.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 701 S.W. Sixth Street, Okeechobee, 863-763-3727; Open first and third Fridays of the month, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Salvation Army, 1600 S.W. Second Avenue #B, 863-763-6020; Open Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Church of God, 301 N.E. Fourth Avenue, Okeechobee, 863-763-4127; Open first Monday of the month from 6 to 10 a.m. and third Monday of the month from 7 to 9 a.m.

Church of God of Prophecy, 102 N.W. 10^th Street, Okeechobee, 863-763-4059. Open first and third Wednesdays of the month from 8 to 10 a.m.

Big Lake Missions Outreach, 605 N.W. 16^th Street, Okeechobee, 863-763-5725. Call the office for information on hours.

Food distribution events and warm meals

New St. Stephen AME Church, 1050 N.E. 16^th Avenue, Okeechobee; Food distribution every Thursday at noon (food pantry items).

Treasure Coast Food Bank monthly distribution drive-thru monthly locations – follow TCFB on Facebook for monthly announcements of dates:

• Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center
• Coquina Water District, 17429 N.W. 242^nd Street
• Sunshine Grove, 12571 N.E. 91^st Avenue

Treasure Coast Food Bank Family Market (walk up), once a month – follow TCFB on Facebook for monthly announcements of dates:

• Okeechobee Health Department, 1728 N.W. Ninth Ave.
• New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, 1600 S.W. Second Ave.
• Okeechobee Cowtown Arena, 1885 U.S. 441 N.
• Alton Chandler Civic Center, 20350 U.S. 98 N.

Our Community Table

Our Community Table, serves meals every Saturday, from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Warm meals will be distributed at the following locations:

• North Okeechobee Church of God, 15849 N.W. 30^th Terrace
• Joani’s Exchange, 206 N. Parrott Ave.
• Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 125 N.E. 13^th
• Praire Corner of 240^th and Peavine
• Lakeview Inn, Treasure Island, 3225 U.S. 441 S.E.

Every Wednesday, warm meals will be distributed from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to:

• New St. Stephens AME Church, 1050 N.E. 16^th (Recipients requested to show proof of Okeechobee address and SNAP)

RiteLife Services, 202 N.E. Second Street, Suite #5, Okeechobee, 863-623-4270, serves warm lunch meals Monday through Friday at 1 p.m.