Food Pantries Update: Rare Show of Unity at City Commission
- Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
- Dec 11, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Food Pantries Update: Rare Show of Unity at City Commission
By: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
December 11, 2025
“Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” — Luke 3:11 (NIV)
When John the Baptist was asked how to live faithfully, his answer was strikingly simple: if you have two shirts, give one to someone who has none. That message—generosity rooted not in abundance, but in compassion—resonates deeply with what happened at the Key West City Commission this week. In voting to fund local food pantries, the city embraced that same spirit: meeting urgent needs by sharing what we have, directly and without delay.
The Key West City Commission came together tonight in a rare show of unity, voting unanimously to provide emergency funding for local food banks and nonprofits. The resolution sets aside up to $75,000, money that will be distributed quickly to groups already serving families in need. Each nonprofit can apply for grants of up to $7,500, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis through the city’s website. The commission set the deadline for applying as December 31st. All programs that address food insecurity in the community are strongly urged to apply.
Prior to this rare show of unity, there was political tension surrounding the food pantry issue. Accusations of commissioners “refusing to help” and “starving children” were exaggerated in local corporate and social media. Some candidates used this emergency for campaign fundraising. Tonight’s unanimous vote appears to have resolved that controversy by putting real money on the table, proving that the accusations were nothing more than political theatre.
The decision follows weeks of debate over how best to respond to rising food insecurity across the island. Earlier proposals for smaller allocations sponsored by Commissioner Kauffman failed to gain traction. Commissioners wanted more answers. They wanted to measure the needs and make sure all food banks were helped, not just the four mentioned in Kauffman’s Resolution.
His two Resolutions failed because he excluded many organizations and didn’t provide a clear mechanism for giving the money. His intent was commendable but the plan needed serious improvement. Taxpayers want more clarity when their tax dollars are being spent. Those two failed Resolutions were at the December 2, 2025 meeting.
Another Special Meeting was eventually called for December 10, 2025. This gave the City time to collect more information and develop a more detailed plan. This time, Mayor Henriquez had more information, and her Resolution had a clear mechanism for giving the money. That clarity helped secure consensus among commissioners, who agreed the community should get help immediately.
Commissioner Carey, who could not attend the meeting due to a prior commitment, explained in her letter to the public that while she had not personally received requests from local groups, she did review AH Monroe’s appeal for assistance. To assess needs she also reached out to SOS leadership. They told her that, following a recent board meeting, they did not currently need financial support. It appears that some groups need help right away, while others are able to provide through to next year.
Carey also addressed the funding mechanism, which had been a point of contention at the previous meeting. She argued that transferring money to the Continuum of Care (COC) would not align with the new Resolution. She noted that the COC’s mission is focused on homelessness, while the Mayor’s new Resolution is intended to support food programs serving a broader population.
Also, the COC is a Monroe County organization and the County leaders she talked to were not asking for assistance at that time. Carey emphasized that other community organizations such as Community Foundation of the Florida Keys could assist to defray costs to the taxpayers. They have recently reported distributing nearly one million dollars to over 70 non-profits this year. Help is available in Key West for those in need. What needs to improve is the communication amongst providers to ascertain needs and help quickly.
She said organizations like Cooking with Love and SOS primarily serve housed residents, including many elderly community members. For that reason, she urged that city funding be directed straight to these non-profits, so resources can reach the food pantries quickly.
By placing the application on the website and giving the funds directly, the City did exactly what Carey suggested. Mayor DeeDee Henriquez underscored the urgency of the vote, noting that the holidays are a particularly difficult time for families struggling to put food on the table. Commissioners echoed her sentiment, while noting that longer-term solutions will be considered in the spring budget cycle. Everybody seemed to finally be in agreement.
For residents, the takeaway is simple: help is on the way. Local food pantries and nonprofits can begin applying immediately, and the city has pledged to move fast in processing requests. Tonight’s vote ensures that families across Key West will see real support during the holiday season. It was a moment of consensus that reflects the city’s commitment to caring for its own. The political rhetoric was put aside, at least for now.
12/29/25 Update: The City of Key West has given out $75,000 to help fight food insecurity on the island, with 11 local nonprofits receiving up to $7,500 each. The funding was approved by the City Commission on Dec. 10 and was designed to get help out quickly to organizations already feeding people in the community.
Using an online application, the city reviewed requests on a first-come, first-served basis and issued checks within days. The funds went to a mix of churches, nonprofits, and service organizations, including Samuel’s House, the Boys and Girls Club of the Keys, ReMARCable Citizens, and several local ministries, all working to make sure Key West residents have access to food when they need it.
Source
City of Key West. Regular City Commission Meeting Agenda and Minutes. 12 Dec. 2025, https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.
Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
Liana is a Key West native who loves writing about her island home. She taught English to students in grades 6–12 for nearly 35 years in Key West schools, sharing her love of literature and language with generations of local students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Liana is the owner of Conch Media Group, LLC, and the creator and manager of The Key West Post. Her goal is to keep readers informed about the issues that matter most in Key West. As a lifelong local, she offers a perspective often missing from corporate media and from journalists and bloggers who are new to the island. When Liana isn't writing and managing this website, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. On most days, you’ll find her walking, biking, or running outdoors, soaking up the natural beauty, friendly people, and diverse cultures that make Key West so special.
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