Free groceries, nutrition classes to be offered monthly at Royal Palm Beach library

Residents in Royal Palm Beach will soon have access to free groceries and nutrition education through a new partnership between the Palm Beach County Library System and the Palm Beach County Food Bank.

Beginning Friday, July 24, the Food Bank's Mobile Pantry will operate at the Royal Palm Beach Branch Library, located at 500 Civic Center Way, on the fourth Friday of every month. The initiative is aimed at addressing food insecurity while promoting healthy eating habits in the community.

Participants will receive free fresh produce, meat and shelf-stable food items. Registration will take place on site, and food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

The program is part of the Food and Nutrition Program, a collaboration involving the Palm Beach County Library System, the Palm Beach County Food Bank, the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County and Florida Blue.

Library Director Douglas Crane said the initiative is designed to provide more than just food assistance.

"Our goal goes beyond putting food on tables," Crane said. "We are bringing vital wellness resources directly to our residents. By pairing healthy food distribution with free education, we are enriching the lives of families to build stronger, healthier futures."

Each monthly event will begin with a free interactive nutrition education class from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by food distribution from 10:30 a.m. until noon or while supplies last.

Residents who are unable to attend the Royal Palm Beach distribution can access the same services at the Lantana Road Branch Library, where the Mobile Pantry is held on the second Thursday of each month and follows the same schedule.

Organizers are encouraging community members to share information about the program with friends, neighbors and families who may benefit from the free food and educational resources.