About SOS
The Star of the Sea (SOS) Foundation was born in 2006 out of a simple but powerful belief - that every person in Monroe County deserves access to good, nutritious food. What started as a single food pantry in the Florida Keys has grown into one of South Florida's largest food access organizations, distributing over 1.5 million pounds of food annually to more than 5,000 individuals.
Food Access in the Florida Keys
From the beginning, SOS was built around a client-choice model - meaning clients select their own food based on their preferences, culture, and dietary needs. This approach results in less food waste, more dignity for the people we serve, and a pantry experience that actually works for every family we welcome through our doors.
Our Programs
1.5 Million Pounds of Food and Counting
As one of the largest pantries in South Florida, SOS currently distributes fresh produce, meats, dairy products, breads, and canned goods to thousands of unduplicated individuals each year.
Utilizing volunteer support primarily, SOS distributes more than 1,500,000 pounds of food annually to these underserved populations. As nutrition and healthy eating are both key focuses of our organization, more than 50% of the food we distribute is fresh produce. Most recently, SOS has expanded its efforts via the SOS Eco Farm, creating an educational center and a local produce stream to be utilized by SOS and the MARC House.
