Lydya Chapman

The Mission of The Pantry of Broward, Inc. is to provide food and support services to seniors in need on low, fixed incomes and to grandparents raising their grandchildren throughout Broward County, South Florida. The Pantry serves a niche market of elderly low-income individuals and custodial grandparents whose needs were not being sufficiently addressed by other Broward food pantries. Before The Pantry, elderly clients were forced to compete with younger clients to obtain services by waiting in long lines, often in the sweltering Florida heat. The Pantry, through scheduled appointments, provides clients with a generous monthly food box, case management services to determine individual needs, access to vision care, hearing exams and hearing aids, emergency utility assistance, rental payment assistance and – through “Hairstylists for Humanity” – some clients have even received free hair cuts and styles. At The Pantry, the unique needs of each client are taken into consideration. Homebound seniors are unable to come to our facility, so we deliver food to them. Clients are treated with dignity and respect that they so deserve. Clients are also offered one-on-one assistance to help them sign up for food stamps and to access a variety of other community resources and services.