Community News

The Boca Raton Tribune C O M M U N I T Y

Boc a Helping Hands Struggling to Keep Up with Inflation and Decreased Volunteer S uppor t

Boca Helping Hands is str ug gling to keep up with food demand as inflation squeezes budgets and their volunteer force dwindles. With gas prices continuing to rise, shortages at the grocery store, and the cost of commodity goods increasing, Boca Helping Hands has seen an uptick in demand for their hunger relief ser vices. In addition, many of the organization’s regular volunteers are migrating back north, and college students are heading home for the summer, causing a volunteer shortage.

In April, Boca Helping Hands fed 10,365 individuals, distributed 7,162 pantry bags of groceries at five Palm Beach County locations, and provided 6,761 hot lunches. Since December 2021, the org anization has seen increases of 18% in demand for pantry bags and 10% for its to-go hot meals.

With inf lation a t a f o u r- d e c a d e h i g h , h o u s e h o l d s feel the pinch to get by. According to the Labor Department’s most recent consumer-price index, the price of food at g rocer y stores in March was 10% higher than a year earlier. This has resulted in more people needing help to make ends meet.

Boca Helping Hands is not excluded from the effects of the current economic strains. As a result, the organization has had to meet the extra demand by purchasing food to supplement the donations that

come from our partners and community food drives. The need to purchase food has increased significantly in the past year. “Surging food prices and supply chain issues are affecting all areas of our hunger relief programs. We’re purchasing food to supplement our supply of donated food, and wholesale prices have increased,” said Greg Hazle, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands. “With increased prices, our clients’ dollar stretches less at the grocery store, so they rely on us more. Unfortunately, that means Boca Helping Hands is buying more food at the same time that food prices are higher.” Supply chain issues, lower inventory, and labor shortages have impacted the org a n i z a t i o n’s h u nger relief programs across the board. In In April, Boca Helping addition, as people

Hands fed 10,365 f lock back nor th, the food donations individuals, distributed are even lower in 7,162 pantry bags the summertime. As a result, the organiof groceries at five z a t i o n e n c o u r a g-

Palm Beach County es residents to host food drives at their locations, and schools, places of provided 6,761 hot worship, or work places. lunches. Another operational challenge in feeding those in the community is the decline in the number of volunteers. In the last two months, the organization has seen a decrease of 20% to its volunteer group and expects a total decline of 30% by the beginning of June. BHH is in critical need of additional volunteer support at multiple service locations and roles.

City of Boc a Raton Announces The 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands Finalists to Open the S ummer in the City Series

The City of Boca Raton’s Summer in the City series kicks off with the 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands Competition on Friday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real. Finalists in both the Over & Under 20 Years Old categories – with musicians spanning from a 13-yearold vocalist to a 64-year-old guitarist – will take the stage to compete for the $2,500 cash prize in each category.

F i n a l i s t s i n t h e O v e r 2 0 c a t e g o r y i n c l u d e T h e Honey Project, Audio Crisis, Crush Company and Stumble Steady. Under 20 finalists include Maximum Friction, Harmonious Rage, Ripped Jorts and School of Rock Boca Raton Houseband. Concertgoers will also have a chance to vote for their Fan Favorite.

“We are amazed by the range and talent displayed by all of those who entered this 2nd annual competition, as well as by the young entrepreneurs participating in the Teen Marketplace,” said Amy DiNorscio, Amphitheater and Community Events Manager for the City of Boca Raton. “We hope this kick-off to our summer series encourages all that anything is possible if you persevere and continue to reach for the stars.”

While enjoying the local mu s i c s c e n e, guests can also support young entrepreneurs a t t h e Te e n M a r k e t p l a c e , featuring upa n d - c o m i n g businesses including KSM Org anic Candles, handcrafted eco-friendly c a n d l e s ; Aud r e y ’s A w esome Planters, wooden plante r s f o r o u tdoor vegetable or butterfly gardening; Intuitive Designs Co., handmade crystal jewelry; Sophie-sticated Stitches, plush crochet collectibles; and Music Buddies, a service where high school students provide free music lessons and equipment for foster children.

The Summer in the City series continues with free concerts at the Mizner Park Amphitheater through July 29th, starting at 7 p.m.

FAU Poll Shows Floridians Cutting Back in Reac tion to Rising Inflation BoyntonAr ts Holding Photo Contest for National Parks and Recreation Month

The economy, inflation and the high cost of housing are weighing on the minds of consumers as recent price hikes force Floridians to cut back on travel, entertainment and other discretionary items, according to the latest statewide survey from the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI).

Roughly 47 percent of respondents rate the national economy as poor or very poor, while 84 percent consider the cost of living and inflation a high priority that the country must address.

More than eight out of 10 respondents are concerned or ver y concerned about increasing costs for both housing and property insurance, while more than 53 percent said rising prices for food and goods and ser vices have greatly affected their finances.

Of the 532 survey respondents, more than 70 percent said they are cutting back on travel and entertainment, while about 66 percent are buying less food. Nearly 60 percent said they are using savings to pay bills, and almost 4 in 10 said they are missing bill payments.

Summer travel likely will be impacted. The latest Travel Price Index from the U.S. Travel Association noted that transportation costs are up 30 percent, lodging up 11.4 percent and food and beverage are up 14.2 percent, compared with pre-pandemic 2019.

“This increase in prices in the travel industry will lead to adjustments in summer vacation plans,” said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., director of FAU BEPI in the College of Business. “The hospitality industry most likely will see a decrease in demand.”

In other issues, nearly 67 percent of respondents, including more than half of the Republicans polled, said abortion should be legal in most or all cases.

“However, it is not clear this issue will drive voting as abortion was only ranked as a high priority issue by 39 percent of Floridians,” said Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., a professor of political science at FAU and a research fellow of BEPI.

Meanwhile, 43 percent oppose the recent Florida legislation that banned lessons about sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools. The legislation was supported by more than 37 percent of respondents, while nearly 20 percent had no opinion.

As for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 47 percent believe America is providing the right amount of support to the wartorn country. More than 20 percent believe America should give more support.

The online survey was conducted May 20-22 and has a margin of error of +/- 4.24 percentage points. The data, weighted by ethnicity, age, education and gender, was collected through Dynata.

BoyntonArts is proud to announce a photo contest in honor of National Park and Recreation Month. Anyone with digital photos that showcase City of Boynton Beach parks or the community enjoying them, is encouraged to submit their photos online at phot o c o n t e s t . b oy nt o n a r t s. c o m b y Sunday, June 12 at 4:30 pm.

During July, the National Recreation and Park Association recognizes the power of parks and r e c r e a t i o n a n d the professionals who build strong, vibrant and resilient communities. The City’s Recreation & Parks Department is comprised of 32 parks and ten recreational facilities that offer a variety of programs year-round for those of all ages and abilities. Submitted photos must have been taken within the last three years at a Boynton Beach park, Recreation Center, the Links Golf Course, or Oceanfront Park Beach.

“When considering which photos to enter, we are asking the community to think along the lines of a toddler’s first visit to the beach, a winning touchdown pass at a Boynton Bulldogs game, or simply a butterfly fluttering through the air at the Town Square playgrounds,” remarked Glenn Weiss, the City’s Public Art Manager. “We are seeking a wide breadth of photos that represent the City’s parks and natural areas alongside the varied and wonderful experiences occur ring within.”The community will have the opportunity to “like” their favorite photo on the BoyntonArts Facebook page from June 1 to July 22. The photo with the most “likes” in each category will be announced on Saturday, July 23; each category will have the chance to win a $50 gift card.

T he National Parks & Recreation Month Photo Exhibition at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center will be open to the public from July 1 to July 30. Hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 8 pm and Sat. 9 am - 1 pm. Admission is free.